284.13330977| 
R66 


LEE  ALBUM 


H  IMVEHSflHY 


:ph:h 


IRAN    CHURCH 


JUJNG1S 


UNIVERSITY  OF 

III  .ARY 

AT  U..  -..AMPAIGN 

ILL  HIST.  SURVEY 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign 


http://www.archive.org/details/fiftiethanniversOOswed 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 

FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

OF  THE 

SWEDISH  LUTHERAN  CHURCH 

ALEDO,  ILLINOIS 

1873-1923 


*o 


^ 


PUBLISHED  BY  THE  CHURCH 


*      1 

■                 1 

i    ^ 

J 

V 

1 

1 

Y 

V     m 

REV.  ().  F.  DOMEIJ,  1921- 


'¥-../ tti         7 


PREFACE 


With  hearts  full  of  praise  and  thanksgiving  to  God  for  past  mercies, 
and  with  reverence  for  the  memory  of  all  those  who  have  prayed  and 
worked  for  the  Kingdom  of  God  in  the  Swedish  Lutheran  Church  at 
Aledo  the  past  fifty  years,  we  wish  to  issue  this  book,  that  these  mem- 
ories may  be  kept  and  treasured  by  the  children. 

At  the  yearly  meeting  in  IQ22  it  was  decided  to  celebrate  the  fiftieth 
anniversary  sometime  during  the  year  of  IQ2J.  The  Church  Council 
was  asked  to  investigate  the  possibility  for,  and  the  cost  of,  publishing 
a  souvenir  for  this  occasion. 

At  the  yearly  meeting  in  IQ2J  it  ivas  decided  that  the  congregation 
should  celebrate  its  fiftieth  year  anniversary  May  18 — 20  this  year. 
A  committee  of  five  was  appointed,  consisting  of  Rev.  O.  Fred.  Domeij, 
chairman,  Mr.  E.  T.  Carlson,  Mr.  Emil  H.  Bjorkman,  Mrs.  Ed. 
Bjorkman  and  Mrs.  Arthur  Lindorff,  this  committee  to  have  full  charge 
of  publishing  the  book,  appointing  all  sub-committees  and  to  make  all 
the  arrangements  concerning  the  Jubilee  Celebrations. 

We  are  fortunate  in  having  all  the  records  of  the  congregation  pre- 
served. Our  aim  is  to  revive  the  memories  of  the  fathers,  their  labors 
and  sacrifices  for  our  dear  Church,  fresh  in  the  memory  of  our  children, 
and  to  preserve  the  past  deeds  and  experiences  for  the  future. 

We  realize  that  our  efforts  are  incomplete,  and  that  we  can  only  make 
a  summary  of  the  historical  facts,  lie  hope  and  pray  that  these  past 
experiences  may  inspire  the  growing  generation  to  follow  in  their  fathers' 
footsteps,  to  serve  God  and  love  His  Church. 

Aledo,  III.,  May   IQ,  1023. 

O.  F.  DOMEIJ. 


REV.  A.  ANDREEN, 


•ho  organized  this  congregation. 


THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  SWEDISH  LUTHERAN  CHURCH 
OF  ALEDO,  ILLINOIS 


They  then  that  received  his  word  were  baptized:  and 
tin  re  nere  added  unto  them  in  that  day  about  three 
thousand  souls.  And  they  continued  stedfastly  in  the 
apostles'  teaching  and  fellowship,  in  the  breaking  of  bread 
and  the  prayers.  And  day  by  day,  continuing  stedfastly 
with  one  accord  in  the  temple,  praising  God,  and  having 
favor  with  all  the  people.  And  the  Lord  added  to  them 
day  by  day  those  that  were  saved.     Acts  2:  41,  42,  46,  47. 

FIFTY  years  of  the  existence  of  this  congregation  is  now  past. 
This  is  but  a  short  time,  a  fleeting  moment  of  the  human  race, 
but  in  the  experience  of  this  congregation  it  means  a  great  deal. 

It  means  fifty  years  of  prayers,  work  and  struggle.  It  means  fifty 
years  of  grace  and  God's  blessing.  In  looking  back  over  these  years, 
we  see  the  wonderful  ways  in  which  God  has  led  and  arranged  the 
events  in  the  history  of  this  congregation. 

Many  have  "gladly  received  the  Word  of  God."  Many  have  been 
baptized,  confirmed,  married,  and  buried  during  these  fifty  years.  God 
only  knows  how  much  fruit  has  been  .gathered  from  this  field,  but  one 
thing  we  do  know :  that  there  is  a  great  host  in  heaven  now  praising 
the  Lord  Jesus  for  the  work  done  in  His  Name. 

As  far  as  we  know,  the  first  Swedes  to  settle  in  Aledo  were  John 
Johnson,  who  came  here  from  the  Civil  War,  Charley  Bjorkman, 
Peter  Ringdahl,  J.  O.  Lundblad,  Oscar  Wallin,   O.   Xyline,  Eric  An- 


s 


FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 


derson  and  Carl  Runbom,  during  the  year  of  1869.  It  is  interesting 
to  know  the  history  of  the  first  Swedes  in  Aledo,  but  we  are  more 
interested  to  record  the  earliest  religious  work  done  among  the  Swedes 
here. 

During  the  years  of  1870  and  1871,  services  were  held  by  Rev.  A. 
Andreen  in  the  various  homes.  A  farmer  from  Cable  came  down  and 
preached  a  few  times.  The  people  were  hungry  for  the  Word  of  God 
and  were  earnest  in  their  endeavor  to  secure  services. 


Mrs.  G.  A.  Gustafson.  Mrs.  Oscar  Wallin. 

Charter  members,  who   are  still  members  of  the   congregation. 

Children  were  gathered  in  the  homes  on  Sundays  by  Charley  Bjork- 
man  and  were  instructed  in  religion.  On  the  22nd  of  January,  1872,  a 
meeting  of  Swedes  in  and  around  the  town  of  Aledo  was  held  in  the 
old  court  house.  At  this  meeting  it  was  decided  to  ask  Rev.  P.  M. 
Sandquist  and  Rev.  A.  Andreen  to  hold  services  in  Aledo  two  Friday 
evenings  a  month,  and  also  four  Sunday  services  a  year.  The  question 
of  organizing  a  congregation  was  discussed,  but  no  action  was  taken 
until   the  following  year. 

On  the  !<)th  of  May,  1873,  the  Swedes  of  the  Lutheran  faith  in  and 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


around  Aledo  were  called  together  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a  con- 
gregation. The  meeting  was  held  in  the  old  court  house,  and  Rev.  A. 
Andreen  of  Swedona  was  elected  chairman  and  theological  student  Nils 
Forsander  secretary. 

Those  gathered  were  asked  if  it  was  their  wish  to  organize  a  congre- 
gation, and  the  following  persons  signed  as  charter  members:  Nils  For- 
sander, Mr.  and  Airs.  Joseph  Oscar  Lundblad,  Air.  and  Mrs.  Peter 
Ringdahl,  Clara  Johnson,  Karina  Johnson,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Swen  Larson, 


Mr.  Charley  Bjorkman.  Mr.  Swan*  Youngren. 

Charter  members,  who   are   still   members   of  the  congregation. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  E.  Swanson,  Clara  M.  Swanson,  Axel  Viktor  Swan- 
son,  Carl  Frederick  Swanson,  Air.  and  Mrs.  Charles  Bjorkman,  Carl 
Forsander,  Frans  August  Peterson,  Osle  Johnson,  John  Aug.  Bjorkman, 
Samuel  Anderson  Frank,  Carl  August  Nyberg,  Air.  and  Airs.  Carl 
Magnus  Runbom  and  sons  Xels  Johan  and  Anders  Magnus,  Air.  and 
Airs.  Erik  Anderson,  Air.  and  Airs.  John  Lindstrom,  Air.  and  Airs. 
John  Magnus  Helgeson,  Air.  and  Airs.  Carl  Johan  Peterson,  Mathilda 
Sofia  Johnson,  Stina  Kathrina  Johnson,  Ida  Carolina  Johnson,  Malin 
Johnson,  Greta  Johnson,  Air.  and  Airs.  Lars  Peter  Dahl,  Olaf  Nylin, 


io  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

Gustaf  W.  Monson,  Oscar  Wallin,  Jonas  Nordlund,  Anders  Peter 
Johnson,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gustaf  Adolph  Gustafson,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Peter 
Magnus  Danielson,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Carl  Oscar  Petters,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
John  Johnson  Plym,  Mr.  and  Airs.  Swen  John  Johnson,  Ida  Christina 
Johnson,  Emma  Helena  Samuelson,  Swen  Esau  Johnson,  John  Johnson, 
Elof  Larson,  Nels  Aug.  Swenson,  Nels  Gustaf  Tillberg,  Ida  Josephine 
Nyman,  Kers  Anders  Anderson,  Charles  A.  Tuen,  Mathilda  Charlina 
Engstrand,  Carl  Aug.  Nelson,  John  Peter  Helgeson,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Anders  Johan  Spongberg,  Emma  Nelson,  Nels  Aug.  Nelson,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Olaf  Gustaf  Olson,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  F.  Anderson,  Clara 
Sophina  Olafson,  Oscar  William  Gustafson,  Swen  Rydell,  Peter  Levin, 
Per  Otto  Gustafson,  John  Peter  Plym,  and  John  Swenson. 

The  congregational  constitution,  according  to  the  Evangelical  Lu- 
theran Augustana  Confession,  was  read  and  accepted,  and  it  was  de- 
cided to  petition  the  Augustana  Synod  to  be  taken  into  that  body. 

Oscar  A.  Wallin  was  chosen  as  secretary,  John  E.  Swenson  as  deacon 
for  one  year  and  Charley  Bjorkman  for  two  years.  As  trustees,  J.  O. 
Lundblad  and  Peter  Ringdahl  were  elected  for  one  year  and  C.  A. 
Nyberg  and  Samuel  Anderson  for  two  years. 

Nils  Forsander  was  chosen  to  be  its  first  pastor  after  his  ordination 
the  following  summer.  He  was  to  serve  Aledo,  together  with  Sage- 
town,  now  called  Gladstone,  and  was  offered  a  salary  of  $250  from 
Aledo.     Dr.  Nils  Forsander  remained  only  one  year. 

Rev.  A.  Andreen  of  Swedona  and  Rev.  V.  Setterdahl  of  Orion  con- 
ducted the  pastoral  work  in  the  congregation  and  held  mid-week  services 
and  an  occasional  Sunday  service  until  1879. 

The  first  confirmation  class  was  instructed  by  Dr.  Nils  Forsander  and 
was  confirmed  the  5th  of  April,  1874.  It  consisted  of  the  following 
persons:  Andrew  Runbom,  John  August  Nelson,  Charley  Johnson,  Ida 
Christine  Johnson,  Aug.  Bjorkman  and  Ida  Johnson.  One  member  is 
with  us  to-day,  namely,  Andrew  Runbom. 

People  met  in  various  homes  for  weekday  and  evening  services,  hut 
Sunday  services  were  held  in  the  old  court  house. 

Already  in  1875  the  question  of  procuring  their  own  house  of  worship 
was  discussed.  The  United  Presbyterian  church  was  offered  the  con- 
gregation, but  as  the  price  asked  was  more  than  the  congregation 
thought  it  could  afford  to  pay,  they  did  not  buy  it,  but  at  their  yearly 
meeting  in  1877  it  was  decided  to  build  a  church,  52  by  34  by  16,  on 
lots  5,  7,  8,  block  No.  50.  Two  lots  were  donated  to  the  congregation 
by  Mr.  Frank  Thompson,  and  the  congregation  bought  one. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


REV.  N.  TH.  WINQUIST,   1879-1882. 


The  building:  committee  consist- 
ed of  Mr.  P.  Ringdahl,  C.  Run- 
bom  and  G.  Bjorkman.  This 
building  enterprise  did  not  mate- 
rialize, as  an  agreement  was  made 
with  the  U.  P.  congregation  to 
buy  their  church  for  £400,  with 
the  condition  that  they  move  the 
church  to  a  foundation  already 
prepared  on  the  lots  belonging  to 
the  congregation.  A  sum  of  $523 
was  subscribed,  for  which  the 
church  was  repaired  and  painted. 
The  church  was  dedicated  some- 
time during  the  year   1879. 

An  agreement  was  arranged  in 
1878  with  New  Windsor  that  they 
should  call  a  pastor  together.  Ac- 
cordingly, calls  were  issued  to 
theological  student  Petri  and  Rev. 

Challman,  but  unfavorable  answers  were  received.  Finally  in  1879,  N. 
Th.  Winquist  accepted  the  calls  extended  by  these  congregations.  He 
was  offered  a  salary  of  $150  from  Aledo,  and  was  to  preach  in  Aledo 
every  third  Sunday  and  also  some  mid-week  services.  Rev.  Winquist 
began  his  pastoral  duties  in  Aledo  with  a  communicant  membership  of 
65,  and  when  he  resigned,  in  1882,  there  were  80. 

Now  followed  eleven  years  of  vacancy.  Neighboring  pastors  served 
tire  congregations  with  ministerial  work. 

The  following  students  from  Augustana  College  served  the  congrega- 
tion during  these  years:  E.  P.  Olsson,  J.  E.  Floren,  J.  A.  Holmen,  M. 
A.  Nordstrom,  N.  Gibson,  G.  E.  Youngdahl,  J.  Johnson,  Bengston,  A. 
T.  Fant,  and  J.  B.  A.  Idstrom. 

At  a  special  meeting  held  February  13,  1887,  a  call  was  issued  to 
theological  student  M.  A.  Nordstrom,  but  this  call  was  not  accepted. 
In  1886,  under  the  leadership  of  E.  P.  Olsson,  a  Young  People's 
Society  was  organized  with  a  membership  of  22.  This  society  has  been 
a  living  force  in  the  congregation  ever  since.  It  has  now,  in  1923,  a 
membership  of  80. 


12  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

The  members  of  the  congregation  felt  that  in  order  to  secure  and 
keep  a  resident  pastor  in  Aledo,  they  must  procure  a  parsonage.  At 
the  special  meeting  held  March  4,  1891,  the  trustees  were  given  per- 
mission and  power  to  buy  two  lots  for  $160  for  the  purpose  of  building 
upon  them  a  parsonage.  A  subscription  committee  was  appointed,  con- 
sisting of  Fred  Peterson  and  August  Anderson.  This  committee  re- 
ported at  the  special  congregational  meeting,  July  6,  1891,  that  $900 
was  subscribed.  Accordingly,  the  congregation  decided  to  build  a  par- 
sonage at  a  cost  of  about  $1,000.  The  dimensions  should  be  28  by  28 
by  18.  It  should  have  four  rooms  and  a  pantry  downstairs  and  four 
rooms  upstairs. 

A  building  committee  was  elected,  consisting  of  Rev.  Fred.  Nebilius, 
Fred  Peterson,  Charley  Bjorkman,  theol.  student  A.  T.  Fant,  Aug. 
Anderson  and  Erick  Hawkinson.  Most  of  the  work  in  building  this 
parsonage  was  donated  by  the  members  of  the  church.  It  was  finished 
the  same  year  at  a  cost  of  $1,284. 

At  special  congregational  meetings,  calls  were  issued  to  Rev.  J.  V. 
Carlson  of  Marshalltown,  Iowa,  Rev.  Aug.  Johnson  of  Monmouth, 
111.,  and  Rev.  John  Holcomb,  Morganville,  Kansas.  At  a  special  meet- 
ing, October  20,  1892,  a  call  wTas  extended  to  theol.  student  J.  B.  A. 
Idstrom.  To  the  great  joy  of  the  congregation,  this  was  accepted. 
Although  the  congregation  had  been  vacant  for  nearly  eleven  years,  it 
had  still  gone  forward.  The  membership  had  been  raised  from  80  in 
1882  to  146  in  1893.  Rev-  J-  B-  A.  Idstrom  entered  upon  his  pastoral 
work  in  Aledo  after  his  ordination  in  Moline,  in  June,   1893. 

Rev.  J.  B.  A.  Idstrom  served  the  Lutheran  congregation  in  Aledo 
the  longest  of  any  pastor,  7^2  years.  The  members  of  this  congregation 
wrere  made  better  Lutherans  by  Rev.  Idstrom's  faithful  teaching  and 
preaching  a  full  Lutheran  confession.  Numerically,  the  congregation 
increased  from  146  to  190  communicant  members. 

That  the  congregation  not  only  looked  to  its  own  interest,  but  also 
to  others,  is  shown  from  the  repeated  decisions  made  at  yearly  meetings, 
that  collections  taken  on  the  first  Sunday  of  every  month  should  be 
given  to  missions,  as  well  as  special  contributions  by  various  societies. 

A  special  celebration  was  held  on  the  twenty-fifth  anniversary  of  the 
congregation,  May  19,  1898.  Dr.  Nils  Forsander  was  the  speaker  for 
the  occasion. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


13 


In  1  goo,  Rev.  J.  B.  A.  Idstrom  accepted  a  call  to  Cedar  Rapids. 
Iowa,  and  so  the  congregation  was  again  without  a  pastor.  At  the 
special  meetings  of  the  congregation  calls  were  extended — first,  March 
1,  1 901,  to  Rev.  Geo.  E.  Youngdahl  of  Colorado  Springs,  Colo.,  and 
then,  on  June  27,  to  Rev.  C.  E.  Olsson  of  Pomeroy,  Iowa — ,but  un- 
favorable answrers  were  received. 


lUilmm 


1   j      J  ffl 

*  111      "TBI 


THE  OLD  CHURCH. 


Theological  students  C.  W.  Andeer  and  A.  T.  Lundholm  from 
Augustana  College,  Rock  Island,  cared  for  the  congregation  during 
this  vacancy. 

The  year  of  1902  was  a  memorable  year  for  the  Aledo  congregation 
in  many  respects.  The  call  issued  at  the  yearly  meeting,  January  2, 
1902,  to  theol.  student  A.  T.  Lundholm  was  accepted. 

Feeling  that  the  old  church  was  getting  too  small,  the  congregation 
decided   at   a  special  meeting,  held   February   5,    1902,   to  build   a  new 


U 


FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 


church.  The  trustees  were  elected  as  a  building  committee,  and  con- 
sisted of  the  following  persons:  Erick  Peterson,  Ed.  Bjorkman,  C.  O. 
Anderson,  Geo.  Lundblad,  and  Fred  Peterson.  The  deacons  were 
elected  as  a  subscription  committee,  and  they  were :  G.  A.  Gustafson, 
J.  P.  Berg,  Eric  Hawkinson,  Samuel  Almquist,  C.  A.  A.  Root,  and 
Charley  Bjorkman;  Rev.  A.  T.  Lundholm  was  also  included  on  this 
committee.     The  church   was  constructed   of   brick,   52x40,    in   Gothic 


THE   OLD  PARSONAGE. 


styie.  The  contract  was  let  to  J.  C.  Robins,  April  16,  for  the  sum  of 
$6,487.  With  the  interior  decoration  and  furnishings  the  church  cost 
the  congregation  at  the  time  about  $8,500.  The  church  was  dedicated 
October  13.     Dr.  Gustav  Andreen  was  the  speaker  for  the  occasion. 

On  May  5,  1902,  the  congregation  sold  the  old  parsonage  to  Mr. 
C.  J.  Carlson  for  the  sum  of  $2,100,  and  in  June  of  the  same  year  the 
contract  for  building  a  new  parsonage  next  to  the  new  church  was  let 
to  Harney  Bros,  for  the  sum  of  $1,997,  and  this  was  finished  about  the 
first  of  October. 

Thus  the  congregation  within  one  year  secured  a  new  pastor,  built 
a  new  church  and  parsonage;  truly  an  eventful  year  for  the  congrega- 
tion. The  congregation  found  in  Rev.  A.  T.  Lundholm  a  young  and 
enthusiastic  pastor,  full  of  zeal  for  the  welfare  of  the  congregation  and 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  15 

salvation  of  souls.  Rev.  A.  T.  Lundholm  did  not  stay  long,  however, 
but  accepted  a  call  to  East  Sveadahl  and  St.  James,  Minnesota,  in  1905. 

Calls  were  issued  to  Rev.  N.  W.  Swenson  from  Arlington,  N.  J., 
and  Rev.  E.  E.  Anderson  of  Gibbon,  Minn.,  but  these  calls  were  not 
accepted.  Finally  at  the  special  congregational  meeting  December  4, 
1905,  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  Frank  Swenson  of  Ashtabula,  Ohio, 
at  a  salary  of  $800.  This  call  wTas  accepted,  and  Rev.  Frank  Swenson 
entered  upon  his  pastoral  work  during  the  year  1906.  The  congrega- 
tion was  served  during  the  vacancy  by  the  following  students  from 
Augustana  College  and  Theological  Seminary  of  Rock  Island,  111. : 
S.  P.  Holmberg,  O.  G.  Berg,  George  A.  Fahlund,  and  A.  Swanson. 

On  April  28,  1906,  a  contract  for  building  an  addition  to  the  par- 
sonage was  let  to  J.  M.  Harney  for  the  sum  of  $1,040.  "The  plan 
called  for  a  two-story  addition,  14x28,  a  study,  a  bedroom,  an  enlarged 
kitchen  and  back  stairway,"  and  other  improvements,  at  the  cost  of 
$1,136. 

Up  to  this  time  the  Swedish  language  had  been  used  in  practically 
all  the  services  and  religious  instruction  in  the  congregation.  In  the 
pastoral  report  for  the  year  1909  the  pastor  suggested  the  use  of  English 
in  the  Sunday-school.  At  the  same  yearly  meeting  the  congregation 
decided  that  those  that  wished  to  have  religious  instruction  in  the 
language  of  the  country,  could  so  have  it.  The  pastor  said  in  the  report 
of  19 10,  that  as  a  result  of  the  decision  made  by  the  congregation  the 
previous  year,  the  whole  Sunday-school  work  has  been  changed  over  to 
the  English  language.  Since  1903,  one  evening  service  in  English  a 
month  had  been  held  until  191 7,  when  one  morning  service  in  English 
was  added,  and  now  one  half  of  all  the  services  are  conducted  in  the 
English  language. 

The  present  pipe  organ  was  bought  and  installed  in  the  church  by 
the  Young  People's  Society  in  19 10  at  a  cost  of  $1,738.30. 

At  the  special  congregational  meeting  held  March  13,  19 13,  Rev. 
Frank  Swenson  resigned  as  pastor  of  the  Swedish  Lutheran  church  of 
Aledo,  after  six  years  of  faithful  service.  He  held  his  farewell  sermon 
May  27th,  and  moved  the  following  week  to  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin. 

Theol.  students  M.  A.  Melford  and  Joshua  Nelson  served  the  con- 
gregation during  the  year  1913,  and  theol.  students  Joseph  C.  Mattson 
and  F.  G.  Granquist  during  the  year  19 14. 

Calls  were  issued  to  theol.  student  M.  A.  Melford  of  Rock  Island, 
Rev.  Emil  E.  T.  Anderson  of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  Dr.  J.  A.  Krantz 


i6 


FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 


The  Building  Committee  of  the  Present  Church. 


of  Duluth,  Minn.,  but  all  declined.  At  the  yearly  meeting  held  January 
8,  191 5,  a  call  was  extended  to  theol.  student  Joseph  C.  Mattson  of 
Augustana  Theological  Seminary  of  Rock  Island  to  become  pastor  of 
this  congregation  after  his  ordination.  To  the  great  satisfaction  of  the 
congregation  this  call  was  accepted. 

The  congregational  constitution  that  was  accepted  at  its  organization 
meeting  in  1873  was  retained  by  the  congregation  until  191 7,  when  the 
congregation  at  its  yearly  meeting,  January  12th,  decided  to  accept  in 
full  the  Augustana  Synod  Congregational  Constitution  of  1907.  The 
purpose  for  changing  from  the  original  constitution  was  to  allow  equal 
suffrage  to  the  women  members. 

The  Parochial  School  has  been  conducted  every  summer  by  pastors 
and    students   since    the   organization    of    the   congregation    until    191 7, 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


17 


when,  on  account  of  lack  of  interest  and  the  change  of  language,  the 
Parochial  School  was  discontinued. 

Rev.  Joseph  C.  Mattson,  after  having  served  this  congregation  faith- 
fully for  five  years,  resigned  at  a  special  congregational  meeting  held 
February  10,  1920,  and  accepted  a  call  to  Alvarado,  Minnesota.  Theol. 
students  J.  A.  Parkander  and  A.  C.  Edstrom  cared  for  the  congregation 
during  this  vacancy. 


Rev.  O.  F.  Domeij. 


Doris. 


Anna  C.  Domeij, 


A  special  meeting  of  the  congregation  was  called  March  9,  1920, 
and  a  call  was  issued  to  Rev.  Herman  Olsson  of  Waterbury,  Conn.. 
but  this  call  was  not  accepted.  A  call  was  extended  to  C.  W.  Andeer 
of  Eskilstuna,  Sweden,  at  the  special  congregational  meeting  held  June 
3rd.  This,  too,  was  declined.  Finally,  at  a  special  meeting  held 
September  13th  of  the  same  year,  a  call  was  extended  to  the  under- 
signed. This  call  was  accepted,  and  the  present  pastor  began  his 
pastoral  work  in  January,  192 1.  The  short  time  we  have  been  here 
has  been  enjoyable  to  us,  and  we  trust  that  it  lias  been  to  the  glory  of 
God's  Name. 

Jubila    Album.     2. 


18  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

We  are  indeed  glad  to  have  with  us  to-day  the  following  charter 
members,  who  are  still  members  of  our  church:  Mr.  Charley  Bjorkman, 
Mr.  Swan  Youngren,  Mrs.  A.  G.  Gustafson  and  Mrs.  Oscar  Wallin. 
What  is  perhaps  unique  in  the  celebration  of  fifty  year  anniversaries 
is  that  we  can  welcome  to  our  celebration  all  its  former  regular  pastors, 
and  that  we  can  have  with  us  the  first  pastor  of  the  congregation,  Dr. 
Nils  Forsander.  The  only  one  that  has  served  this  congregation  on 
a  regular  call  that  has  passed  away  is  Rev.  N.  Th.  Winquist,  and  he 
had  this  congregation  as  an  annex  to  New  Windsor  only  a  short  time. 

There  are  many  names  on  the  church  records  whose  work  and  sacri- 
fices we  would  like  to  mention,  but  time  and  space  do  not  permit.  How- 
ever, there  is  one  with  us  to-day,  whose  name  is  found  on  nearly  every 
page  of  the  old  church  records  since  before  the  organization  of  the 
church,  Mr.  Charley  Bjorkman.  He  has  been  an  instrument  in  the 
hands  of  God  for  carrying  forward  God's  wrork  in  this  congregation. 
He  has  been  a  pillar  in  this  church,  a  man  possessing  good  common 
sense,  always  standing  up  for  what  was  right  and  good. 

Thus  we  have  in  a  few  words  summarized  the  main  facts  from  the 
history  of  this  congregation.  It  has  in  these  fifty  years  passed  through 
various  experiences  of  joy  and  sorrow,  prosperities  and  adversities,  al- 
ways hopeful,  trusting  in  God.  What  the  future  will  bring  to  this 
congregation,  God  only  knows.  May  its  members  remain  faithful  to 
God  and  loyal  to  His  Church. 

The  following  statistics  might  be  of  interest : 

Baptized .  458 

Confirmed    296 

Buried    142 

Married  couples    108 

New  members  received  :  Adults 399 

Children 156 

Expense   in   congregation $71,418.89 

For  Missions    $16,284.94 

May  God  in  His  infinite  mercy  bless  and  keep  this  congregation  and 
all  its  members. 

"Nevertheless  that  which  ye  hare,  hold  fast  till  I  come."     Rev.  2.  25. 

O.  F.  Domeij,  Pastor. 


GREETINGS  FROM  FORMER  PASTORS 


Greeting  to  the  Evangelical  Lutheran   Church   in  Aledo,  Illinois,  from 
its  first  pastor,  Rev.  Nils  Forsander,  D.D. 

Dear  Friends  and  Members  of  the  Congregation : 

Grace  be  unto  you,  and  peace  from  God 
our  Father,  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ! 

"And  I,  brethren,  when  I  came  to  you, 
came  not  with  excellency  of  speech  or  of 
wisdom,  declaring  unto  you  the  testimony 
of  God.  For  I  determined  not  to  know 
anything  among  you,  save  Jesus  Christ,  and 
him  crucified.  And  I  was  with  you  in 
weakness  and  in  fear  and  much  trembling." 

These  words  of  the  holy  apostle  Paul  in 
his  First  Epistle  to  the  Corinthians,  2.  1-3, 
might  also  be  quoted  as  a  true  description 
of  my  pastoral  work  in  your  congregation, 
and  this  service  lasted  only  one  year  from 
my  ordination  in  Paxton,  Illinois,  June, 
1883.  As  I  preached  every  other  Sunday 
in  my  other  congregation  at  Sagetown,  now  called  Gladstone,  and  was 
during  that  year  broken  down  by  typhoid  fever  for  about  two  months, 
nothing  can  be  told  of  any  visible  achievements.  Our  Sunday  services 
were  held  in  the  old  court  house,  and  the  Christmas  service  was  held  in 
an  American  church. 

Many  of  our  church  members  showed  me  kindness  and  were  attentive 
hearers   of   my   humble,   evangelical  sermons   and    Bible   expositions.      I 


Dr.  Nils  Forsander, 
1873—1874- 


20  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

hope  to  God  that   some  of   those  hearers   received   by   His   grace   some 
spiritual  edification  for  their  souls  to  faith  in  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

The  year  before  my  ordination  I  was  an  assistant  preacher  to  Rev. 
Jonas  Swensson,  president  of  our  Synod  and  pastor  at  Andover.  Rev. 
A.  Andreen,  pastor  at  Swedona,  used  to  visit  the  Swedes  in  Aledo  to 
preach  and  perform  ministerial  acts  among  them,  and  these  two  re- 
spected pastors  agreed  between  themselves  that  Andreen  should  urge  the 
Swedish  people  in  Aledo  to  organize  themselves  into  a  Lutheran  con- 
gregation and  call  a  pastor.  The  result  was  that  I  was  sent  to  preach 
there  on  Sunday,  May  18th,  and  that  Andreen  came  the  following 
Monday  and  organized  a  congregation,  which  at  the  same  occasion 
called  me  to  become  their  pastor  and  preach  every  other  Sunday.  I  had 
also  such  a  call  from  Sagetown,  and  afterwards  another  from  Mon- 
mouth, but  I  accepted  those  from  the  two  first  named  churches,  because 
I  was  told  and  believed  that  their  need  of  a  pastor  was  the  greater. 

The  Aledo  Lutheran  congregation  has  had  good  and  faithful  minis- 
ters, and  such  is  also  their  present  pastor.  That  is  a  joy  for  my  heart, 
and  may  God  bless  them  all  and  their  church  members.  May  He  bless 
us  all  and  help  us  "to  grow  in  grace  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     To  Him  be  glory  both  now  and  forever." 

Dear  friends,  let  it  be  the  earnest  desire  of  us  all  to  live  in  true  and 
daily  repentance  and  faith  in  Him;  we  will  then  meet  each  other  in 
prayer  at  the  mercy-seat  and,  when  God  pleaseth  to  call  us,  in  the 
heavenly,  eternal  dwellings,  where  Christ  Jesus  has  prepared  room 
for  us. 

Rock  Island,  Illinois,  March  14,  1923. 

In  the  love  of  our  Lord,  your  sincere  friend, 

Nils  Forsaxder. 


To  the  Swedish  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  Aledo,  Illinois. 
Grace  and  Peace! 

It  is  a  great  pleasure  to  me  as  a  former  pastor  to  send  you  a  cordial 
greeting  on  the  day  when  you  as  a  congregation  can  celebrate  your 
fiftieth  anniversary. 

You  have  during  these  fifty  years  had  many  experiences  and  many 
trials,  but  maybe  neither  as  many  nor  as  great,  I  am  glad  to  say,  a:> 
many  others  have  experienced.  For  this  the  Lord  be  praised,  who  has 
been  with   you   during  these  years   and   guided   you  by    His   Spirit   and 


22  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

consoled  you  by  His  Word  in  all  of  your  troubles,  temporal  and  spiritual. 
May  therefore  the  Word  of  God  always  be  taught  among  you  in  its 
truth  and  purity,  and  you  as  children  of  God  lead  holy  lives  in  ac- 
cordance with  it,  then  He  will  henceforth,  as  He  has  been  hitherto,  be 
your  Shepherd  and  caretaker,  and  as  the  one  after  the  other  is  called 
away  from  your  midst  by  the  Lord  almighty,  he  will  only  be  removed 
from  the  troubles  of  time  to  the  heaven  by  rest  that  remaineth  to  the 
people  of  God. 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  love  of  the  Father,  and  the 
communion  of  the  Holy  Spirit  be  wTith  us  now  and  for  evermore. 

East  Union  and  Carver,  Minnesota,  March  5,   1923. 
Sincerely  yours, 

J.  B.  A.  Idstrom. 


"I  remember  the  days  of  old; 
I  meditate  on  thy  doings; 
I  muse  on  the  works  of  thy  hands." 

Ps.  143-  5. 

To  him  who  is  trying  to  pen  these  words  of  greeting  there  will  never 
be  another  church  in  the  Augustana  Synod  which  will  hold  the  place 
in  his  heart  that  the  Aledo  church  holds.  Securely  enshrined  in  our 
memory  our  thoughts  often  go  back  and  we  "remember  the  days  of  old" 
which  wrere  spent  among  the  members  of  this  church,  and  we  thank 
God  for  every  one  of  them. 

Your  church  was  my  first  love.  God  led  my  steps  first  to  Aledo  in 
the  spring  of  1901,  when  your  church  wTas  under  the  care  of  students 
from  our  Seminary.  After  the  service  on  Sunday  morning  the  old 
patriarch  Charles  Bjorkman  greeted  me  and  made  the  request  that  I 
accept  no  summer  call  until  I  should  hear  from  the  Aledo  church. 
Shortly  afterwards  a  call  reached  me  from  Aledo  to  serve  that  church 
during  the  summer,  which  call  I  also  accepted.  Several  calls  to  pastors 
were  issued  that  year,  but  as  they  all  were  declined,  a  call  was  issued 
to  me  to  become  their  pastor  after  my  ordination  in  the  spring  of  1902, 
and  God  put  it  into  my  heart  to  accept  that  call,  and  then  followed 
three  years  of  blessed  service  until  in  1905,  when  the  condition  of  my 
health  moved  me  to  go  back  to  the  rugged  climate  of  my  home  state, 
Minnesota, 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


23 


More  than  twenty  years  have  since  elapsed.  I  am  now  serving  my 
second  pastorate  after  I  left  Aledo.  New  ties  of  friendship  have  been 
formed,  and  yet  the  old  friends  of  my  first  charge  are  just  as  dear  to 
my  heart  to-day  as  ever,  and  while  many  of  them  have  gone  and  others 
are  going  to  their  eternal  reward,  their  kindness,  love  and  co-operation 
in  the  work  shall  follow  us  as  one  of  the  sweetest  memories  of  our  lives. 

The  years  spent  in  Aledo  were  intensely  active  years.     The  old  church 


REV.  A.  T.  LUXDHOLM,  1902-1905. 


MRS.  A.  T.  LUXDHOLM. 


building  gave  way  for  a  new  and  more  modern  structure.  The  old 
parsonage  was  sold,  and  the  present  parsonage  was  erected  by  the  side 
of  the  new  church.  So  loyally  did  the  members  of  the  church  support 
these  great  projects,  that  we  were  able  to  leave  the  church  free  from 
indebtedness,  and  yet  the  church  at  that  time  did  not  number  more  than 
two  hundred  and  twenty-five  adult  members. 

There  are  two  events  from  those  years  that  are  indelibly  inscribed 
on  our  memory:  the  dedication  of  the  new  church  building  and  the 
reception  which  was  tendered  the  young  pastor  and  his  bride  when  they 
moved  into  the  new  parsonage. 

Taken  together,   all  these   are  memories   that  enrich   life.      They   all 


24  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

suggest  to  us  another  day,  when  the  children  of  God  shall  be  gathered 
in  their  Father's  house  above  and  be  able  to  look  over  the  life  that  now 
is,  with  all  their  sins  and  mistakes  forgiven,  happy  in  the  presence  of 
their  Saviour  and  of  one  another.  To  that  day  we  look  forward  with 
confidence  and  hope. 

May  God  bless  the  Aledo  church  on  this  day  of  its  festivity.  The 
past  fifty  years  have  been  years  of  small  beginnings  and  splendid  achieve- 
ments. May  the  next  fifty  years  be  years  of  spiritual  growth.  Your 
church  was  founded  and  organized  by  the  pioneers  of  our  Synod.  May 
their  children  prove  worthy  of  their  spiritual  heritage  and  never  leave 
nor  neglect  the  church  of  their  childhood.  May  they  advance  in  the 
faith  of  their  fathers  and  ever  enlarge  the  influence  of  this  church,  faith- 
fully praying  together  and  working  together  until  the  Master  shall 
return  to  discharge  His  servants  and  give  them  blessed  rest.  The  grace 
of  God  has  made  possible  the  past.  The  present  is  charged  with  the 
same  grace.  The  future  will  reveal  it  to  us  only  ever  more  clearly.  To 
God  alone  be  the  glory  for  grace  received  and  for  services  rendered. 
Sincerely,  yours  in  the  Lord, 

A.  T.   Luxdholm. 


Dearly  beloved  in  Christ  Jesus! 

Greeting! 

You  are  as  a  congregation  these  days  celebrating  your  Golden  Jubilee. 
You  are  to-day  looking  back  over  a  period  of  fifty  years  of  church 
activity,  seven  of  which  it  was  the  privilege  of  the  undersigned  to  serve 
you  as  your  pastor. 

Having  been  solicited  by  your  present  pastor  to  contribute  some  feu- 
words  of  greeting  for  your  intended  manual,  relative  to  your  fiftieth 
anniversary,  I  deem  it  proper  to  base  this  greeting  on  a  word  from 
Holy  Writ.     This  is  the  word: 

"Be  thou  faithful  unto  death,  and  I  will  give  thee  the  crown  of  life." 

This  is  a  word  of  Him  who  calls  Himself  "the  first  and  the  last, 
who  was  dead,  and  lives  again."  It  is  a  word  of  Him  who  is  the  Head 
of  the  Church  and  the  Author  of  our  salvation. 

This  word  is  spoken  to  a  church  which  was  facing  great  temptation 
and  tribulation,  entering  a  period  during  which  its  faith  would  be  put 
to  a  severe  test. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


25 


It  is  generally  conceded 
by  close  students  of  the 
Bible  now  that  the  Church 
of  Christ  is  approaching 
a  period  of  fiery  trials  and 
great  temptation,  the  like 
of  which  have  never  been 
known. 

How  can  we  help   but 


see   this 


The    forces   of 


evil  are  disintegrating  the 
Christian  Church.  The 
spirit  of  Antichrist  is 
operating  no  longer  only 
within  the  confines  of  that 
bod'y  of  Christians  which 
boastfully  lays  claim  to  be 
the  only  true  Church  of 
Christ  upon  earth,  but  is 
in  our  day  stalking  more 
or  less  openly  in  all  the 
other  Christian  churches 
in  all  lands. 

We  have,  indeed,  every 
reason  to  thank  God  that 
the  Lutheran  Church  is 
least  of  all  churches  af- 
fected by  the  spirit  of 
Antichrist.  This  is  par- 
ticularly true  of  that 
branch  of  this  church 
to     which     your     church 

belongs.     As  yet  the  Word  of   God  in   its   fullness  and  purity   is   pro- 
claimed from  our  pulpits.      He  who  would  dare  to  strip  Jesus  of  His 


REV.  FRANK  SWENSON,  1906-1913. 


26  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

divinity  would  not  be  permitted  in  our  pulpits.     Let  us  hope  and  pray 
that  it  may  always  remain  thus! 

But  even  if  we  can  truthfully  say  that  we  as  a  church  have  the  un- 
alterated  truth  of  salvation  proclaimed  in  our  church,  we  are,  however, 
in  grave  danger,  because  the  religious  air  is  literally  polluted  with 
religious  error.  The  heralds  of  error  are  ever  busy  disseminating  their 
errors  in  lectures  and  in  the  press.  We  come  unconsciously  under  its 
powerful  influence,  and"  need  therefore  ever  be  on  our  guard,  lest  we  fall. 

During  the  half  century  of  your  existence  as  a  congregation  it  has 
been  your  blessed  privilege  to  enjoy  the  hearing  of  God's  Word  in  its 
purity.  This  is  your  blessed  privilege  to-day.  The  crown  of  life  has 
been,  and  is  now,  within  your  reach.  Many  from  your  church  have 
already  passed  beyond  the  point  where  there  is  no  danger  of  losing  this 
crown.  It  is  theirs  only  as  a  gift,  but  theirs  because  they  were  faithful 
unto  death.  It  will  also  be  given  to  you  and  all  who  lay  hold  of  the 
Author  of  salvation  and  are  faithful  to  the  end. 

There  is  no  need  of  fear  as  long  as  we  cling  to  the  Author  of  our 
salvation,  because  He  is  mightier  than  the  combined  forces  of  all  our 
enemies.  We  may  often  fear,  especially  if  we  forget  to  look  at  Him, 
and  begin  to  look  at  ourselves.  Let  us  not  forget  what  He  has  said  to 
His  little  host  of  followers,  "Fear  not,  little  flock;  for  it  is  your  Father's 
good  pleasure  to  give  you  the  kingdom."  Yes,  let  us  all  look  unceas- 
ingly at  Jesus,  and  ever  abide  in  His  Word.  If  we  do  that  we  will  at 
the  end  of  our  short  journey  on  earth,  together  with  other  faithful  who 
have  gone  before,  finally  be  given  the  crown  of  life. 

The  good  Lord  grant  us  all  this  for  Christ's  sake!  The  same  Lord 
grant  unto  you  as  a  church  an  increased  zeal  for  the  unaltered  truth 
of  God's  Word!  He  grant  also  greater  faithfulness  and  consecration 
in  the  next  fifty  years.  May  the  present  anniversary  be  a  source  of  rich 
blessing  and  an  impetus  to  better  work!  This  is  the  sincere  wish  and 
prayer  of 

Yours  in  the  past  humble  servant, 

557  Lapham  St.,  Milwaukee,  Wis.  F.  Swexsox. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


27 


O  come,  lit  us  sing  unto  the  Lord:  let  us  make  a  joyful 
noist  to  the  rock  of  our  salvation.  Let  us  come  hefon  his 
presence  with  thanksgiving,  and  makt   a  joyful  noisi    unto 

him   with   psalms.     Lor  tin    Lord  is  a  great   God,  and  a 
great  King  above  all  gods.     Ps.  95.   1 — 3. 

Dear  Friends:    Greetings! 

Since  the  observance  of  the  jubilee  year  came  into  practice  as  long 
ago  as  during  the  Old  Testament  dispensation,  and  was  a  divine  ordi- 
nance,   exhorting    the    people    of 


that  time  to  render  thanks  and 
praises  unto  God  for  manifold 
blessings  enjoyed,  certainly  we  of 
the  present  day  have  equal  reasons, 
and  even  more  so,  to  celebrate 
occasions  of  jubilee.  Although  no 
law  binding  us  to  such  custom 
now  is  in  vogue,  it  is  nevertheless 
true  that  God  is  just  as  bountiful 
to-day  as  He  was  of  old.  And 
to  hold  special  services  of  rejoic- 
ing and  thanksgiving  to  the  Al- 
mighty, who  so  wondrously  has 
blessed  you  during  five  decades  of 
active  church  work,  is  perfectly 
fitting  and  proper.  May  the  fol- 
lowing words  of  the  psalmist  like- 
wise be  yours:  "I  will  sing  of  the 
mercies  of  the  Lord  for  ever:  with 
my  mouth  will  I  make  known  thy 
faithfulness  to  all  generations." 

What  should  be  more  natural  in  the  kingdom  of  God  than  that  its 
subjects  render  praises  to  the  Most  High?  Should  not  they  who  so 
constantly  receive  gifts  from  Him  burst  forth  in  melodious  strains  as  an 
expression  of  sincere  and  deep  gratitude  to  the  One  who  so  freely  doth 
give  of  His  lovingkindness  and  tender  mercy?  Sometimes,  it  is  true, 
there  comes  into  the  life  of  the  Christian  notes  of  discord.  Not  infre- 
quently he  himself  is  the  cause  of  this.  And  when  it  doth  please  our 
gracious  Father  in  heaven  to  send  trials  and  afflictions  to   His  own,  it 


REV.  JOSEPH   C.   MATTSON 
1915-1920. 


28  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

is  comforting  to  know  that  also  in  those  moments  His  love  is  active. 
David  is  a  typical  example  of  how  a  follower  of  Jehovah  often  becomes 
languished  from  grief  and  pain.  And  yet  we  hear  so  sweetly  coming 
from  his  heart  the  triumphant  exclamation:  "Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul, 
and  forget  not  all  his  benefits."  Nor  does  David  stand  alone  among 
the  men  mentioned  in  Holy  Writ  whose  lives  bear  testimony  of  similar 
experiences.  Paul,  the  great  apostle  to  the  Gentiles,  was  not  a  stranger 
to  afflictions,  and  yet  he  says:  "I  reckon  that  the  sufferings  of  this 
present  time  are  not  worthy  to  be  compared  with  the  glory  which  shall 
be  revealed  in  us."  And  when  looking  back  upon  our  own  life's  history, 
must  we  not  acknowledge  that  "we  lack  in  nothing"?  As  long  as  we 
live  in  the  fellowship  of  the  Lord  this  must  be  true:  "My  grace  is  suf- 
ficient for  thee:  for  my  strength  is  made  perfect  in  weakness."  Firmly 
rooted  in  Him,  "neither  death,  nor  life,  nor  angels,  nor  principalities, 
nor  powers,  nor  things  present,  nor  things  to  come,  nor  height,  nor 
depth,  nor  any  other  creature,  shall  be  able  to  separate  us  from  the  love 
of  God,  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord." 

As  you  gather  in  special  services  these  days,  dear  friends,  to  celebrate 
the  semi-centennial  anniversary  of  the  organization  of  your  dear  church, 
some  of  you  especially,  when  meditating  on  days  that  are  gone,  will 
recall  many  inspiring  moments  in  the  house  of  God.  Nearly  all  the 
charter  members  of  this  parish  have  left  the  ranks  here  below,  but  the 
blessings  of  their  deeds  and  their  prayers  do  follow  them  after.  We 
hope  that  all  of  them  are  now  with  the  saints  in  the  church  triumphant 
enjoying  the  fruits  of  their  labors.  May  God  bless  their  memory  among 
you  and  crown  the  efforts  of  the  present  members  with  success  and  into 
your  hearts  instill  the  assurance  that  He  is  with  you  always,  even  unto 
the  end  of  the  world.  As  the  Lord  has  been  with  you  in  the  past,  so 
will  He  be  with  you  in  the  future  and  bestow  upon  you  even  greater 
blessings  than  heretofore.  Remain  faithful  unto  Him  to  the  very  last, 
and  yours  is  life  eternal ! 

The  Lord  is  indeed  a  great  God,  and  a  great  King  above  all  gods. 
He  is  the  Rock  of  our  salvation.  Let  us  come  before  His  presence  with 
thanksgiving,  and  make  a  joyful  noise  unto  Him  with  psalms. 

To  God  only  wise,  be  glory  through  Jesus  Christ  for  ever.     Amen. 

Joseph  C.  Mattsox. 


SUNDAY  SCHOOL 


Our  Sunday  School  started  two  years  before  the  church  was  organ- 
ized. These  meetings  were  held  at  the  homes  until  we  had  a  place  of 
worship  of  our  own.  In  these  we  were  taught  the  Swedish  language 
and  studied  the  Catechism  and  Bible  History,  but  now  it  is  all  in  the 
English  language.  Our  Sunday  School,  while  small,  has  been  very 
progressive.  At  the  present  time  we  have  six  classes  for  children,  also 
tvvo  Bible  classes,  one  for  the  men  and  one  for  the  women.  A  new 
feature  in  our  Sunday  School  work  is  the  promotion  exercises,  inaugu- 
rated last  year,  whereby  the  children  are  advanced  from  one  class  to 
the  other.  These  exercises  were  very  impressively  carried  out.  An 
annual  event  at  the  close  of  the  Swedish  parochial  school  was  the 
Sunday  School  picnic  which  was  attended  by  the  congregation  and 
friends,  and  many  happy  recollections  we  have  of  these  annual  gather- 
ings. One  week  each  year  the  Sunday  School  children  canvass  for  funds 
for  the  Orphans'  Home  at  Andover,  Illinois.  Our  superintendents  have 
been  very  good  and  faithful.  Chas.  Bjorkman,  one  of  the  living  charter 
members,  was  the  first  superintendent  and  served  in  this  office  many 
years,  and  through  his  untiring  efforts  a  solid  foundation  was  built  for 
our  Sunday  School.  The  other  superintendents  were  A.  X.  West, 
August  Swanson,  Christine  Almquist,  Arthur  Lindorff,  Minnie  John- 
son, and  our  present  one  is  John  Johnson.  Our  orchestra  consists  of 
five  members,  who  are  rendering  valuable  service  and  aid  greatly  in 
the  musical  part.  Myrtle  Luxdblad. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  31 

CRADLE  ROLL  DEPARTMENT 

The  Cradle  Roll  is  the  department  of  the  Sunday  School  for  babies 
and  little  children  under  four  years  of  age.  Through  it  the  church 
and  school  seek  to  assist  in  the  religious  nurture  of  these  little  children 
in  the  home  and  claim  them  for  future  membership  in  the  Sunday 
School. 

It  is  the  purpose  of  the  Cradle  Roll  department  to  make  a  sincere 
and  earnest  effort  to  provide  religious  influence  for  these  early  years 
of  baby's  life  in  order  that  he  may  receive  these  early  religious  impres- 
sions. Through  the  service  rendered  by  the  department,  the  church 
becomes  the  friend  of  all  these  little  children  and  thus  answers  the 
summons  of  the  Master  when  He  said,  "Suffer  the  little  children  to 
come  unto  me ;  forbid  them  not." 

A  Cradle  Roll  was  started  in  this  church  in  191 9,  and  several  mem- 
bers enrolled  on  a  wall  roll,  but  no  active  work  was  taken  up  in  this 
department  until  in  the  fall  of  1921,  when  Miss  Amelia  Anderson  was 
chosen  Cradle  Roll  superintendent  and  the  work  was  taken  up  in 
earnest.  A  small  cradle  was  at  once  purchased,  to  which  is  tied  the 
name  of  each  Cradle  Roll  member,  while  on  the  wall  roll  is  written 
the  names  of  all  who  have  been  enrolled  since  the  beginning  of  this 
department. 

Every  child  in  the  congregation  under  the  age  of  four  years  is  a 
member  of  the  Cradle  Roll  department.  At  present  twenty-three  are 
enrolled.  Promotion  exercises  are  held  once  a  year,  when  all  those  over 
three  years  of  age  are  promoted  to  the  Beginners'  department  of  the 
Sunday  School. 

The  Cradle  Roll  superintendent  wishes  to  be  the  friend  of  all  these 
little  children.  Her  birthday  message  is  a  personal  message  in  the  name 
of  the  church.  She  speaks  for  the  church  when  invitations  are  extended 
to  come  to  the  church  and  to  Cradle  Roll  affairs  from  time  to  time. 
With  pleasure  congratulations  are  sent  to  the  mother  at  baby's  birth, 
and  with  joy  she  seeks  to  enroll  at  the  earliest  opportunity  the  child's 
name  for  the  Cradle  Roll.  It  is  with  increasing  joy  that  she  watches 
over  him  throughout  the  three  years  of  his  membership  in  the  depart- 
ment and  with  a  heart  overflowing  with  joy  when  on  Promotion  Day 
she  is  able  to  present  him  as  a  member  of  the  Beginners'  department 
of  the  Sunday  School  for  further  religious  nurture. 

Miss  Amelia  Anderson. 


J  it  J,  i  lie  Album,     3. 


ORGANIZATIONS 


THE  LADIES'  AID. 

Although  no  exact  date  has  been  found  of  the  organization  of  the 
Ladies'  Aid,  we  are  led  to  believe  it  was  formed  not  long  after  the 
congregation,  for  as  early  as  1877  we  find  among  our  records  that  the 
ladies  of  the  church  paid  ^43. 50  for  the  first  chandeliers,  which  were 
at  that  time  lighted  by  kerosene  lamps,  and  later  in  1883  we  have  a 
very  interesting  report:  Balance  from  1882,  $50.82;  income  from 
auction,  $64.50;  and  the  grand  sum  of  $140.80  for  an  oyster  supper, 
making  a  total  of  $256.12,  for  which  they  painted  and  remodeled  the 
church  for  $64.52,  paid  a  note  of  $144.32  and  still  had  a  balance  of 
$32.38  in  the  treasury.  This  is  really  surprising  when  we  think  ot 
the  small  band  of  women  in  the  church  at  that  time.  In  the  early  days 
this  society  was  called  "The  Sewing  Society,"  as  its  industrious  mem- 
bers spent  many  hours  during  the  year  with  the  needle,  and  in  the  fall, 
in  connection  with  the  Sunday  School  picnic,  these  articles  were  disposed 
of  at  auction,  and  usually  a  good  sum  was  made  for  the  church.  For 
many  years  the  members  only  paid  five  cents  dues,  but  later  this  was 
raised  to  ten  cents,  and  with  the  sociables  and  other  benefits  the  Ladies' 
Aid  has  in  many  ways  aided  the  church  in  local  expenses.  It  has  been 
the  duty  of  this  society  to  keep  up  the  necessary  articles  of  the  kitchen 
and  dining  room  of  our  church,  also  the  repairs  of  the  parsonage,  and, 
aside  from  this,  for  many  years  were  able  to  give  $70  each  year  to 
mission  work.  Every  lady-member  of  our  church  is  a  member  of  the 
Ladies'  Aid,  yet  we  cannot  claim  that  all  attend  regularly,  but  we  can 
boast  that  every  lady  gives  us  a  helping  hand  when  we  ask  aid  for  our 
church,  and  this  is  the  true  meaning  of  our  "Ladies'  Aid." 

Mrs.  E.  T.  Carlsox. 


36  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

LUTHER  LEAGUE 

On  October  9,  1886,  a  large  number  of  young  people  gathered  at  the 
home  of  J.  P.  Runbom  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a  Young  Peoples' 
Society.  E.  P.  Olsson,  then  a  student,  presided.  The  name  of  the 
society  was  later  changed,  and  is  now  called  the  Luther  League.  The 
meetings  were  held  in  the  different  homes — on  Saturday  evenings  at 
first.  Funds  were  gathered  by  membership  fees,  collections,  and  dona- 
tions. Books  and  magazines  were  purchased  and  loaned  to  the  mem- 
bers. Besides  the  raising  of  money  for  different  purposes,  the  meetings 
wTere  helpful  in  holding  the  young  people  in  unity,  and  in  advancing  the 
general  welfare  of  the  church.  The  programs  given  seem  to  have  been 
of  a  spiritual  nature  and  very  interesting.  Debates  were  held.  Re- 
ligious subjects  were  often  discussed,  and  so,  besides  adding  to  the  social 
bond  of  the  young  people,  the  spiritual  tie  was  developed  and  the  in- 
terest of  the  Master's  kingdom  served. 

Since  the  society's  organization  it  has  helped  the  congregation  in 
various  ways.  Many  socials,  dinners,  entertainments,  and  New  Year's 
wakes  have  been  held.  In  19 12  a  pipe  organ  for  the  church  was  pur- 
chased by  the  Luther  League,  which  adorns  the  church  to-day  and 
stands  as  a  monument  of  the  love  and  interest  of  the  young  members  of 
the  church. 

With  a  membership  at  the  organization  of  twenty-two,  there  is  now  a 
membership  of  eighty.  In  1889  the  membership  dues  were  $8.65  and  in 
the  whole  year  $32.01  was  collected.  In  1922  the  collections  have 
amounted  to  $715.00. 

Reading  over  the  minutes  of  the  years  gone  by,  we  find  various  kinds 
of  service  planned  and  given.  In  times  of  sickness  and  bereavement  our 
members  and  friends  have  been  remembered  with  flowers.  We  doubt 
not  all  has  been  accepted  by  Him  whom  we  serve,  however  lowly  the 
service  has  seemed  to  those  who  have  performed  it.  Besides  the  work  in 
the  valley,  there  have  been  mountain  top  experiences  for  our  League. 
Twice  the  District  Luther  League  convention  has  been  held  here,  and 
at  different  times  some  of  our  members  have  contributed  to  the  pro- 
grams at  conventions  held  at  other  places. 

Once  the  subject  of  a  talk  was,  "How  Shall  we  Reach  the  Un- 
churched?", which  is  still  a  problem  that  the  young  people  of  the  Aledo 
Luther  League  may  help  to  solve,  and  the  prayer  of  one  of  the  former 


38  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

secretaries,    given   in  one    of   the   minutes,    is    echoed    by   every   earnest 

member — it  is  this:  "May  we  with  God's  help  go  unceasingly  onward 
with  our  work."  Christine  Almquist. 


DORCAS  SOCIETY 

Dorcas — A  pious  woman  of  Joppa. — Acts  IXth  chapter,  36th  to 
42nd  verses. 

She  was  full  of  good  works  and  almsdeeds. 

She  made  garments  which  she  gave  to  the  poor. 

The  fame  of  this  noble  woman  spread  and  many  believed  on  the  Lord. 

Many  Dorcas  societies  are  named  for  her. 

In  the  fall  of  19 14  a  young  ladies'  society  was  organized  which  was 
given  the  name  of  Dorcas. 

This  society  originated  from  the  Narcissus  Club,  organized  in  Sep- 
tember, 1912.  The  club  met  every  two  weeks  and  spent  the  evening  in 
doing  fancy  work  and  having  a  general  good  time.  The  members  of 
this  club,  which  numbered  twelve,  were:  Nellie  Carlson,  Huldah  Run- 
bom,  Emma  Farm,  Selma  Farm,  Myrtle  Lundblad,  Hilma  Lundblad, 
Efiie  Borklund,  Edna  G.  Borklund,  Elsie  Berglund,  Christine  Alm- 
quist, Freda  Almquist,  and  Amelia  Anderson.  Several  of  the  above,  by 
the  way,  have  since  changed  their  names.  Almost  all  are  members  of 
the  Dorcas  Society  which  we  now  have. 

The  society  works  mostly  for  Home  Missions  and  for  the  church. 
We  meet  twice  a  month  at  the  home  of  some  member.  Every  member 
pays  ten  cents  at  each  meeting,  and  an  extra  penny  which  goes  in  the 
Flower  Fund ;  this  fund  to  be  used  to  purchase  flowers  for  our  sick 
members.     We  also  have  a  Birthday  Box,  and  this  money  goes  to  charity. 

We  have  socials,  entertainments,  and  bazaars;  in  this  way  we  make 
the  money  for  the  work  we  do.  The  following  is  a  brief  outline  of  what 
the  society  has  done  during  the  past  few  years:  redecorated  the  church; 
purchased  candelabras  for  the  altar ;  remodeled  the  basement  and 
kitchen,  the  latter  being  done  with  the  help  of  the  Luther  League ; 
donated  to  the  Lutheran  Hospital  at  Moiine,  Illinois,  and  Augustana 
Nursery,  and,  last  year,  paid  for  the  new  roof  that  was  put  on  the 
church. 

The  members  and  their  friends  take  a  great  interest  in  this  society, 
this  being  shown  by  the  attendance  at  the  meetings  and  the  donations 


4o  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

given  when  we  have  our  socials  and  annual  festival.     The   festival  is 
usually  held  about  Thanksgiving  time. 

The  society  has  now  a  membership  of  fifty-four.  Two  of  our  dear 
members,  namely,  Mrs.  Clara  Anderson  and  Miss  Pearl  Anna  Marie 
Borklund,  have  left  our  circle  and  gone  to  their  heavenly  home  above. 

A  little  while  and  we  shall  meet 

The  dear  ones  gone  before ; 
And  we  shall  clasp  their  hands  again 

On  yonder  radiant  shore. 

A  little  while  and  we  shall  hear 

The  Saviour's  whisper,  "Come", 
And  we  shall  ever  dwell  with  Him 

In   our   eternal   home. 

May  God  bless  this  society  and  its  work. 

Hulda  C.  Run  bom. 


WOMEN'S  HOME  AND  FOREIGN  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY 

The  Women's  Home  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society  was  organized 
January  25,  191 7,  at  the  home  of  Mrs.  E.  T.  Carlson  with  an  enroll- 
ment of  24  members. 

The  first  officers  were:  Rev.  Mattson,  chairman;  Mrs.  Aug.  Swanson, 
vice-president;  Mrs.   E.  T.   Carlson,  secretary-treasurer. 

This  society  is  under  the  supervision  of  Woman's  Missionary  Society 
of  Rock  Island  district,  Illinois  Conference,  Augustana  Synod.  Two 
meetings  are  held  each  year.     The  membership  dues  50  cents. 

We  share  our  apportionment  in  various  branches  of  work  by  fulfilling 
pledges  that  are  made  at  each  annual  district  convention. 

In  February  or  March  of  each  year  a  Home  Mission  Coffee  is  given. 
On  the  1  st  Sunday  in  Advent  Universal  Prayer  Day  by  Augustana 
women  for  missionary  work  is  observed. 

Special  offering  taken  at  a  meeting  in  1921  was  given  to  the  Beth- 
phage  Mission  in  Axtell,  Neb;  that  of  1922  to  the  Seamen's  and  Log- 
gers' Mission  at  Seattle,  Washington. 

The  "Woman's  Building"  campaign  for  building  at  Rock  Island, 
conducted  by  the  Woman's  Home  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society,  was 
participated  in  by  all  the  women  of  our  congregation,   all  contributing 


42  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

to  the  same;  our  quota  of  $423  has  been  pledged,  and  $375  has  been  paid. 

Our  quota  of  six  W.  S.  S.'s.  was  secured  through  the  efforts  of  Miss 
Amelia  Anderson  with  the  co-operation  of  the  society  officers. 

The  enrollment  now  stands  at  72.  Eight  of  our  charter  members 
have  died;  seven  of  these  have  been  made  "In  Memoriam"  by  some  of 
their  children  or  by  friends:  Mrs.  Mollie  Anderson,  Mrs.  Chas.  Bjork- 
man,  Mrs.  Clara  Bjorkman,  Mrs.  Chas.  Johnson,  Mrs.  Alfred  Peter- 
son, Mrs.  Clara  Anderson,  Mrs.  Christine  Relander. 

Our  life  members  are :  Mrs.  Ida  Johnson,  Mrs.  Inga  Lindstrom. 
Mrs.  G.  A.  Gustafson,  Miss  Clara  Hult. 

Comparing  the  beginning  with  the  present,  we  rejoice  over  increase  of 
interest  and  membership. 

The  receipts  for  the  first  year  were  $18.25,  that  of  1922,  $147.55. 

This  society  is  now  strictly  a  women's  society.  All  the. officers  are 
women — Mrs.   Inga  Lindstrom  being  our  first  woman  chairman. 

Present  officers  are:  Chairman,  Mrs.  Ed.  Bjorkman;  vice-chairman, 
Mrs.  O.  F.  Domeij ;  secretary-treasurer,  Mrs.  A.  W.  Almquist ;  secre- 
tary "Missions-Tidning,"  Mrs.  Arthur  Lindorff. 

The  district  convention  was  held  in  Aledo,  October,  191 8.  This  was 
an  inspiration  to  the  work  thus  newly  begun  and  was  a  great  factor  in 
awakening  interest  of  our  women  for  missionary  work. 

Mrs.  A.  W.  Almquist. 


WILLING  WORKERS  AND  JUNIOR  MISSION   BAND 

The  Junior  work  began  in  August,  1896,  and  was  organized  by 
Mrs.  J.  B.  A.  Idstrom  at  her  home.  Eight  little  girls  constituted  the 
first  Junior  Society.  They  wTere:  Myrtle  and  Hilma  Lundblad,  Tillie 
and  Hulda  Johnson,  Hulda  Runbom,  Ida  Berg,  Olive  Runbom,  and 
Nellie  Bjorkman.  They  decided  to  give  the  organization  the  name  of 
"The  Willing  Workers",  and'  did  prove  worthy  of  its  name  in  every 
respect. 

Mrs.  Idstrom  continued  her  work  as  leader  until  the  end  of  the  year 
1896,  when  Miss  Amelia  Anderson  was  selected  as  leader  of  the  Willing 
Workers  and  she  has  successfully  and  faithfully  superintended  the 
Junior  work  ever  since. 

When  the  society  was  organized  the  girls  decided  to  work  for  the 
Orphan's  Home  at  Andover,  and  for  many  years  all  the  income  and  all 


44  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

articles  made  by  the  girls  were  sent  to  the  above  institution.  In  1900, 
when  it  was  decided  to  build  a  new  church,  it  was  suggested  that  the 
Willing  Workers  wTork  for  the  altar  and  statue  for  the  church.  By 
the  time  the  church  was  ready  for  occupancy  this  little  band  had  raised 
enough  money  to  pay  for  the  statue  and  altar,  and  had  enough  money 
over  with  which  to  purchase  several  dozen  Hymnals  to  be  used  at  the 
English  service.  Shortly  after  the  parsonage  had  been  completed  and 
occupied  they  put  in  the  electric  lights  and  fixtures  for  the  good  parson 
and  his  wife.  In  1909,  when  the  Orphan's  Home  at  Andover  was 
destroyed  by  fire  and  a  new  building  was  planned,  the  Willing  Workers 
at  once  volunteered  to  furnish  a  room ;  and  besides  they  sent  numerous 
articles  for  the  home  and  the  children,  such  as  quilts,  towels,  aprons, 
handkerchiefs,  etc. 

In  191 1  the  Willing  Workers  purchased  a  piano  for  the  church,  and 
a  couple  of  years  later  three  hardwood  floors  were  laid  in  the  parsonage 
at  the  expense  of  this  little  band. 

Electric  fans  for  the  church  auditorium  and  a  range  for  the  basement 
were  purchased  and  presented  to  the  church  in  19 14,  and  the  following 
year,  when  Rev.  Joseph  Mattson  took  up  his  abode  at  the  parsonage, 
the  Willing  Workers  completely  furnished  the  guest  room.  In  19 16  a 
baptismal  fount  and  four  dozen  folding  chairs  were  purchased  for  the 
church.     This  completed  the  work  of  the  so-called  Willing  Workers. 

During  the  years  1904  and  1908  a  branch  society  called  the  "Pansy 
Club"  was  also  in  existence.  It  was  composed  of  eight  young  ladies  past 
confirmation  age,  who  had  been  former  members  of  the  Willing  Work- 
ers. The)'  were:  Mabel  Lundblad,  Hilma  Anderson,  Esther  Peterson, 
Anna  West,  Cora  Bloom,  Mable  Runbom,  Vesta  Hall,  and  Vinnie  Run- 
bom,  who  were  also  an  enthusiastic  group. 

In  January,  19 18,  at  the  request  of  the  W.  H.  and  F.  M.  S.  of  the 
Illinois  Conference,  it  was  decided  that  the  Willing  Workers  should  be 
changed  to  a  missionary  society  with  an  object  to  work  for  the  Missions, 
and  the  name  "Junior  Mission  Band"  was  then  adopted  by  the  organi- 
zation. Up  until  November  of  19 18  the  society  consisted  of  girls  alone, 
but  at  the  annual  fall  festival  that  year  a  special  effort  was  made  to 
enlist  the  boys  also.  The  efforts  were  crowned  with  success  and  it  was 
not  long  until  every  child  in  the  Sunday  School  was  a  member. 

During  the  years  19 19  and  1920  the  Junior  Mission  Band  supported 
a  little  war  orphan  in  France  at  a  cost  of  $100  per  year.  Since  then 
they   have  taken   up   the   task   of  supporting  a   Bible   woman   in    India. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  45 

Two  "In  Memoriam"  of  departed  members  have  been  made;  a  donation 
for  the  Woman's  Building  at  Rock  Island  has  been  forwarded,  while 
numerous  gifts  have  been  given  to  different  missionary  purposes. 

Fifty-two  members  are  enrolled  at  present.  The  following  are  the 
officers  for  the  present  year:  Superintendent,  Miss  Amelia  Anderson; 
president,  Mrs.  O.  F.  Domeij ;  vice  president,  Mrs.  A.  L.  Lindorff ; 
secretary,  Virgil  Farm ;  treasurer,  Gladys  Anderson. 

Meetings  are  held  once  a  month  in  the  church  basement,  when  the 
Juniors  give  a  short  program,  after  which  refreshments  are  served. 

Amelia  Anderson. 


THE  LUTHERAN  BROTHERHOOD. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  congregation  January  2,  1894,  a  motion 
was  made  and  seconded  that  the  men  of  the  congregation  organize  a 
Men's  Building  Society.  The  church  having  felt  the  need  of  a  men's 
society,  an  organization  was  perfected,  at  the  home  of  H.  P.  Borklund, 
January  26,  1894,  with  a  membership  of  25.  Its  purpose  was  to  create 
a  fund  for  future  needs,  either  to  help  in  the  building  of  a  new  church, 
or  to  further  any  necessary  need.  This  organization  was  also  to  try  to 
interest  all  the  men  of  the  church  in  its  wTork  and  to  bring  them  in 
closer  fellowship.  At  the  first  meeting  the  following  officers  were 
elected :  President,  Rev.  John  Idstrom ;  vice  president,  Charles  Bjork- 
man ;  secretary,  Wolf  red  S.  Bjorkman ;  treasurer,  Fred  Peterson. 

This  organization,  with  the  assistance  of  the  ladies,  at  times,  held  a 
meeting  once  every  other  month  at  some  of  the  members'  homes.  The 
meetings  consisted  of  talks  and  topics  concerning  church  work. 

While  this  organization  only  remained  active  up  to  the  year  191 3,  we 
believe  the  congregation  received  much  blessing  from  it.  The  last 
meeting  was  held  at  the  home  of  J.  P.  Runbom,  January  2,   19 1 3. 

From  19 1 3  until  1921  the  Building  Society  met  with  the  Ladies' 
Aid  Society.  On  February  23,  1922,  the  men  of  the  Lutheran  church 
were  called  together  to  organize  a  Lutheran  Brotherhood,  a  society 
having  for  its  purpose:  first,  to  encourage  men  to  be  faithful  to  their 
home  organizations ;  second,  to  instill  into  the  minds  of  young  and  old 
the  highest  type  of  patriotism ;  third,  to  assist  in  furthering  the  religious, 
moral,  and  social  wellbeing  of  the  boys  of  our  church. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  47 

The  meeting  was  opened  by  a  banquet,  served  by  the  social  committee 
of  the  Ladies'  Aid  Society,  covers  being  laid  for  sixty-five. 

After  the  banquet  the  meeting  opened  with  an  address  of  welcome 
by  Rev.  O.  F.  Domeij,  who  acted  also  as  toastmaster,  toasts  being  given 
by  the  following:  J.  P.  Berg,  in  behalf  of  the  retiring  church  board; 
A.  N.  West,  in  behalf  of  the  Men's  Building  Society;  Emanuel  John- 
son, in  behalf  of  the  Sunday  School;  and  Edward  A.  Lundquist,  wel- 
coming the  new  Brotherhood.  A  motion  was  made  and  seconded  that 
the  men  here  present  organize  a  Lutheran  Brotherhood  Society  and  that 
the  Men's  Building  Society  merge  with  the  same. 

The  Brotherhood  organized  with  a  membership  of  sixty-two. 
The  following  officers  were  elected  at  this  meeting:  President,  Rev. 
O.  F.  Domeij;  vice  president,  Arthur  Lindorff;  secretary,  Edw.  A. 
Lundquist;  treasurer,  John  Olson.  All  officers  were  re-elected  at  the 
annual  meeting  of  1923  with  the  exception  of  the  vice  president,  John 
Johnson  being  elected.  Meetings  are  to  be  held  the  last  Thursday 
evening  of  each  month;  dues  are  to  be  25  cents  a  month. 

Very  interesting  meetings  have  been  held  once  every  month,  consist- 
ing of  talks  by  many  outside  speakers,  as  well  as  musical  numbers  and 
discussions  regarding  church  welfare.  Ladies  have  been  entertained  at 
two  of  its  meetings.  During  the  short  time  since  its  organization 
we  have  increased  the  membership  to  90  and  we  earnestly  hope  to  make 
our  Brotherhood  125  strong  this  year.  Truly,  how  can  any  man  re- 
frain from  taking  part  in  this  movement  after  he  has  learned  of  its 
laudable  purpose.  While  we  have  not  had  the  attendance  at  times  to 
what  it  should  be,  considering  the  membership  we  sincerely  hope  that  it 
will  be  one  hundred  per  cent,  strong  in  the  future,  and  that  much 
blessing  will  result,  to  the  members  of  the  church,  as  well  as  to  the 
members  of  the  Lutheran  Brotherhood  themselves. 

Edw.  A.  Lundquist. 


48  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 


THE  CHURCH  CHOIR 

In  the  early  history  of  our  church  there  has  been  very  little  recorded 
of  the  work  of  the  organist  and  the  choir.  Miss  Hilma  Lundblad,  our 
first  organist,  served  faithfully  for  a  number  of  years,  with  Miss  Selma 
Bjorkman  as  substitute.  Her  successor,  Miss  Emma  Borklund,  served 
until  the  year  1903,  during  which  time  the  first  choir  was  organized. 
She  was  succeeded  by  Miss  Josephine  Bjorkman,  who  served  as  organist 
during  the  years  of  1903  and  1904,  and  she  very  ably  assisted  with  the 
work  of  the  choir.  Miss  Ida  Berg  served  the  church  as  organist  during 
the  years  1905,  1906,  and  1907,  who  by  her  fine  contralto  voice  added 
greatly  to  our  church  services.  She  was  succeeded  by  her  brother,  Air. 
David  Berg,  during  the  year  1908.  In  1909  we  reappointed  our  faith- 
ful servant.  Miss  Josephine  Bjorkman,  who  had  served  us  in  the  pre- 
ceding years.  During  this  period  the  interest  in  the  choir,  which  had 
waned,  was  again  renewed  and  with  her  help  the  choir  was  reorganized. 
During  the  next  few  years,  1913  to  19 16,  the  choir  did  very  creditable 
work  with  Miss  Hilma  Lunlblad  as  organist. 

As  the  years  go  by  we  must  go  forward.  Have  we  accomplished  any- 
thing? Who  are  the  ones  that  are  carrying  the  burden  of  the  organist 
and  the  choir  work?  In  191 6,  our  present  organist,  Mrs.  Edna  Bork- 
lund Stevens,  took  up  her  work.  Seldom  has  she  missed  a  Sunday  service 
and  the  weekly  rehearsals  of  the  choir.  May  she  continue  to  serve  the 
Master  faithfully. 

Our  choir  leader,  Mr.  Arthur  Lindorft,  by  his  example  of  faithful- 
ness, spurs  each  lagging  member  of  his  organization  to  greater  efforts. 
May  the  light  of  his  work  continue  to  shine  as  it  has  done  in  the  past. 

The  personnel  of  our  choir  is  as  follows : 

Sopranos 

Mrs.  Glen  Anderson 

Aliss  Ruth  Forsell 

Miss  Myrtle  Lundblad 

Miss  Mable  Lundblad 

Miss  Dorothy  Johnson 

Aliss  Pauline  Johnson 

Mrs.  Ernest   Berg 

Miss  Eling   Monson 

Aliss  Delpha    Rehn 

Airs.  Rena   Johnson 


Jubilee  Album.     4. 


50  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

Contraltos 

Mrs.  Ida  Abercrombie 
Mrs.  David  Bostrum 
Miss  Laura  Anderson 
Miss  Mabel  Anderson 
Mrs.  Arthur  Lindorff 
Mrs.  Selma  Almquist 

Tenors 

Mr.  Oscar  Bjorkman 
Mr.  Charles  Erickson 
Mr.    Emanuel  Johnson 

Bass 

Mr.  Arthur  Lindorff 
Mr.  Emil  Bjorkman 
Mr.  John  Johnson 
Mr.  Forest  Anderson 

If  we  could  dwell  on  the  individual  excellence  of  our  choir  it  would 
rill  volumes.  There  is  one  sad  vacancy  in  our  choir  that  can  never  be 
filled,  namely,  the  passing  of  Mrs.  Clara  Anderson.  We  miss  her 
greatly  and  she  has  received  her  reward. 

As  we  face  the  future  let  each  of  us  give  of  our  time,  of  our  talents, 
of  our  lives  that  the  work  of  our  Master  may  be  done.  As  it  is  recorded 
in  Luke  6.  38:  "Give  and  it  shall  be  given  unto  you;  good  measure 
pressed  down,  shaken  together,  and  running  over." 

Emanuel  Johnson,  Choir  President. 


THE  CHURCH  ORCHESTRA 

The  first  orchestra  in  the  Swedish  Lutheran  church  was  organized  15 
years  ago.  There  were  six  members  of  this  orchestra :  J.  E.  Berg,  first 
violin;  Carl  Swanson,  second  violin;  Cornelius  J.  Anderson,  first  clari- 
net ;  Rudolph  Berg,  second  clarinet ;  Henry  G.  Peterson,  first  cornet ; 
and  David  Berg,  piano.  This  orchestra  wras  organized  for  the  Christ- 
mas and  New  Year's  programs  and  furnished  some  excellent  numbers. 
Soon  afterwards  it  disbanded. 

There  was  then  no  church  orchestra  until  the  fall  of  192 1.  At  the 
organization  of  the  Lutheran  Brotherhood  there  was  formed  the  "Bro- 


52  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

therhood  Orchestra,"  under  the  direction  of  J.  E.  Berg.  This  orchestra 
was  composed  of  J.  E.  Berg,  violin;  Rudolph  Berg,  clarinet;  Airs.  Ru- 
dolph Berg,  piano ;  Arthur  Lindorff,  trombone  and  cornet.  This  or- 
ganization played  at  practically  all  of  the  Lutheran  Brotherhood  meet- 
ings as  well  as  at  numerous  other  church  entertainments. 

At  about  the  same  time  as  the  organization  of  the  Brotherhood  Or- 
chestra there  was  formed  a  Junior  Orchestra  in  the  Sunday  School,  un- 
der the  leadership  of  Arthur  Lindorff.  The  personnel  of  this  orchestra 
was:  Arthur  Lindorff,  trombone;  Yvonne  Berglund,  piano;  Ralph 
Munson  and  Glen  Munson,  violins;  Arthur  Olson  and  Virgil  Farm, 
cornets;  Virgil  Anderson,  clarinet,  and  Mrs.  Edna  Stevens,  bass.  There 
are  at  the  present  time  about  five  active  members  of  this  orchestra. 

Since  the  first  part  of  the  year  1923  the  two  orchestras,  "The  Lu- 
theran Brotherhood"  and  "The  Sunday  School",  have  been  combined  as 
one  organization,  "The  Church  Orchestra",  under  the  leadership  of  J. 
E.  Berg.  The  combination  was  formed  to  play  for  special  church  serv- 
ices or  gatherings.  The  Sunday  School  Orchestra,  however,  still  is  an 
active  organization  of  itself  and  gives  wonderful  assistance  in  the  Sun- 
day School  services. 

When  the  entire  personel  of  the  "Church  Orchestra"  is  together  it  is 
a  very  commendable  organization  and  furnishes  excellent  numbers  on 
various  church  programs. 

The  orchestra  has  at  different  times  been  ably  assisted  by  Mrs.  Ru- 
dolph Berg,  Harry  McFarland,  Orman  Simpson  and  Glen  Jenkins, 
who,  though  non-members  of  our  church,  have  very  kindly  helped  out 
with  their  services,  and  whose  assistance  has  been  truly  appreciated. 

We  wish  and  hope  that  the  "Church  Orchestra"  may  grow  and 
prosper,  and  that  it  will  continue  to  furnish  entertaining  music  as  it  has 
in  the  past.  J.  E.  Berg. 


o: 


THE  CHURCH  BELL 


Several  times  during  former  years  the  bell  that  for  years  past  has 
given  notice  of  our  meetings  served  in  other  capacities  than  church  work. 
It  has  an  unusual  history.  It  may  add  something  to  the  history  of  this 
occasion  to  review  at  some  length  its  service. 

In  this  connection  credit  for  information  contained  in  this  statement 
is  due  to  J.  M.  Hays,  of  Jefferson  City,  Missouri,  The  Waterways 
Journal  of  St.  Louis,  Historian  F.  L.  Woodridge  of  Parsons,  Kansas, 
and  Prof.  J.  Renwick  Wylie,  formerly  of  this  city,  now  of  Denver,  Colo. 

The  bell  was  cast  in  1848  in  Cincinnati,  by  the  G.  W.  Coffin  Buck- 
eye Bell  Foundry.  It  was  purchased  by  the  American  Fur  Co.  of  St. 
Louis,  which  owned  and  operated  a  line  of  steamboats  on  the  Missouri 
river,  used  in  the  interest  of  the  fur  trade  along  the  rivers  of  the  North- 
western states.  The  bell  was  installed  on  the  steamer  "Saint  Ange", 
built  in  1849,  tonnage  254,  Captain  Joseph  La  Barge  master,  who  was 
one  of  the  principal  stockholders  of  the  fur  company.  Thereafter  the 
boat  made  regular  trips  along  the  Missouri  river,  and  in  times  of  high 
water  ascended  to  the  head  of  navigation.  It  is  recorded  that  on  June 
1 2th,  1 85 1,  the  Saint  Ange  left  St.  Louis  for  the  Yellowstone  region, 
and  on  June  19,  one  week  later,  cholera  broke  out  on  board,  and  the 
majority  of  the  passengers  and  crew  were  stricken.  Among  the  passen- 
gers were  two  noted  Jesuit  priests,  Rev.  Fathers  Hoecken  and  De  Smet. 
They  were  going  out  as  missionaries  into  the  wild  northwestern  country. 
Father  Hoecken  took  down  with  the  dread  disease  and  died  just  after 
he  had  administered  the  last  sacrament  to  one  of  the  dying. 

The  record  shows  also  that  the  Saint  Ange  made  ten  trips  in  1853 
between  St.  Louis  and  Kansas  City  and  Leavenworth,  and  then  went 
into   winter   quarters   in    St.   Louis,   and   was   destroyed   on   January    2. 


54  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

1854,  being  crushed  during  the  breaking  up  of  the  ice,  and  was  never 
rebuilt.  Her  bell,  and  such  other  valuable  parts  as  were  saved  from  the 
wreck,  were  placed  on  the  levee  for  sale. 

The  late  John  McKinney,  Sr.,  for  many  years  a  business  man  at 
Oquawka,  111.,  prior  to  that  time  had  built  a  three-story  business  house 
at  Oquawka,  the  top  story  of  which  he  had  fitted  up  for  church  services 
for  the  Cumberland  Presbyterians,  of  which  church  he  was  a  member 
at  that  time.  Hearing  of  the  Saint  Ange  bell,  Mr.  McKinney  went  to 
St.  Louis,  purchased  it,  and  placed  it  on  his  building  in  Oquawka. 
There  it  remained  for  many  years.  After  a  few  years  the  church  organ- 
ization for  whose  use  the  bell  had  been  purchased  discontinued  its  serv- 
ices, and  then  the  auditorium  was  utilized  as  a  public  hall,  the  bell  being 
used  to  give  notice  of  the  various  entertainments.  Proof  of  its  substan- 
tial construction  was  given  when  on  a  cold  winter  night  mischievous 
boys  reversed  it  and  filled  it  with  water.  Strange  to  relate  the  bell 
came  through  the  trying  ordeal  without  damage.  During  that  time 
among  the  persons  who  lectured  in  that  hall  were  Joshua  R.  Giddings. 
Horace  Greely,  Cassius  M.  Clay,  Senator  George  W.  Julian,  and  others 
of  note.  The  bell  was  used  in  many  ways.  It  gave  the  alarm  for  fires 
and  other  disasters,  especially  at  night.  When  entertainments  were 
given  during  the  Civil  war  for  the  benefit  of  our  soldiers  the  bell  made 
frequent  urgent  appeals  for  all  to  attend.  The  saddest  day  of  its  entire 
existence  was  the  one  during  which  it  announced  to  the  grief-stricken 
people  the  assassination  of  President  Abraham  Lincoln.  No  one  who 
heard  its  solemn  tones  on  that  sad  occasion  will  ever  forget  them. 

In  the  spring  of  1876  the  bell  was  brought  to  Aledo  and  placed  on 
the  Academy  established  by  John  M.  Wylie  and  J.  Renwick  Wylie, 
three  years  previously.  In  its  new  location  for  a  number  of  years  it 
performed  its  part  in  the  operation  of  that  excellent  school.  The 
importance  of  punctuality  was  one  of  the  valuable  lessons  it  helped  to 
teach  the  students  of  that  time.  A  pleasing  feature  of  its  work  was  the 
invitations  it  extended  on  Friday  night  to  attend  most  enjoyable  social 
meetings.  In  1893  the  Academy  was  closed  and  the  property,  including 
the  building,  bell  and  furniture,  sold  to  Mrs.  Delia  McWhorter  Harr, 
who  during  the  same  year  sold  the  bell  to  its  present  owners.  It  was 
then  placed  on  the  church  building  purchased  by  the  Lutherans  from  the 
United  Presbyterians,  where  it  remained  until  the  present  commodious 
structure  was  completed  and  made  ready  for  it  in  October  1902. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  55 

It  is  now  thirty  years  since  the  bell  came  into  the  possession  of  this 
congregation,  and  it  is  seventy-five  years  since  it  was  cast  in  Cincinnati. 
The  years  have  brought  to  it  different  lines  of  service,  in  widely  sepa- 
rated places,  but  still  its  work  goes  on.  From  the  days  of  the  old  Saint 
Ange  to  the  present  time  it  has  always  been  dependable,  equal  to  even- 
requirement.  The  story  of  its  past  has  endeared  it  to  all  who  have  heard 
it.  To  such  it  no  longer  seems  to  to  be  an  inert  mass  of  metal,  but 
rather  a  living  entity.  What  the  future  may  hold  in  store  for  it  no  one 
can  foresee.  Let  us  hope  it  may  continue  to  respond  through  many, 
many  years  to  come  to  such  service  as  may  be  required  of  it.  We  trust 
no  harm  ma)'  ever  come  to  it,  and  may  it  ever  proclaim,  in  no  uncertain 
tones,  "Peace  on  earth,  good  wTill  to  men." 

Written  on  request  by 

Hon.  Ex-Congressman  James  McKinney. 


OUR  SERVICE  FLAG 


Monroe  Almquist 
Glen   Anderson 
Clarence  Benson 
Spencer  Berglund 
David  Malm 
Glen   Peterson 
John   Blixt 
Ernest  Berg 
Vern  Moberg 
Carl  Lundblad 
Henry  Johnson 
Ewald   Berglund 


Archie  Runbom 
Victor  Runbom 
Emmett  Forsell 
Harold   Anderson 
Andrew  Anderson 
Aurelius  Anderson 
Edwin  Johnson 
Carl   Nyberg 
Harry   Peterson 
Irwin  Anderson 
Herbert  Anderson 


The  years  191 7  and  191 8  are  memorable  ones  to  all  members  of  our 
church,  as  those  were  the  years  of  the  great  World  War.  It  came  upon 
us  writh  its  great  sacrifices  and  heartaches  as  it  did  in  the  many  com- 
munities throughout  the  land. 

Then  we  heard  the  bugles  calling, 

Then  the  angry  war  drums  beat, 
And  upon  our  ears  came  falling 

The  measured  tread  of  marching  feet. 

Then  perhaps  as  never  before  nor  since,  family  altars  were  established 
wrhere  prayers  were  continually  rising  to  our  heavenly  Father  for  guid- 
ance and  protection  for  our  boys  who  had  gone  forth  valiantly  to  take 
their  places  with  the  defenders  of  the  rights  of  our  people. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  57 

As  a  tangible  evidence  of  the  absence  of  the  boys  from  our  Church 
services  and  as  a  silent  admonisher  of  their  need  for  our  prayers,  our 
Service  Flag  became  part  of  our  church  and  to  us  became  an  intimate 
emblem. 

The  first  of  our  boys  to  go  were  the  ones  who  went  in  April,  191 7, 
with  Company  B,  6th  Illinois  Infantry,  which  later  was  federalized  and 
became  part  of  the  123d  Field  Artillery. 

With  other  contingents  going  at  different  times,  others  went,  making 
in  all  twenty-three,  for  each  one  of  whom  a  star  was  the  silent  spokes- 
man, and  of  each  wre  were  justly  proud. 

They  left  their  careless  youth  behind  them, 

To  face  a  struggle  fierce  and  stern, 
We  prayed  no  foeman's  steel  would  find  them, — 

"God  grant  them  all  a  safe  return." 

And  so  God  did  grant  them  all  a  safe  return  and  the  Service  Flag 
which  had  spoken  to  us  so  forcibly  was  lowered,  to  live  in  the  history 
of  our  church  and  in  our  memories  and  lives,  as  we  had  become  better 
men  and  women  because  of  their  sacrifices.  Delpha  Rehn. 


CHURCH  OFFICERS 


DEACONS 

From 
John    E.    Swanson    1873 

fi873 

Charles  Bjorkman \  1885 

jigoi 

[1912 

Olof  Gustav  Olson    1874 

)i874 
Carl   Runbom    / 1880 

Swen    Larson    , 1875 

Joel    Olson    1879 

Peter    Plymn    - .  .  .  .  1 879 

Samuel    Frank 1881 

fi88i 

H.   P.  Borklund    ^1890 

August  Warner   Peterson    1884 

C.  A.   Sjoholm    1884 

Johannes    Johnson     :  .  .  .  .    1886 

John   F.  Anderson    1886 

ii886 
G.  A.  Gustafson   )  1888 

(1887 
Eric  Hawkinson    / 1900 

Andrew    Nelson     1885 

Jonas   Runbom    1888 

Frank    O.    Anderson    1889 

C.  A.  Rosene 1894 


To 

Total  Service 

1876 

3   years 

1 8791 
1899 

>■          32  years 

1910 

1915J 

1884 

10  years 

1879 
i884i 

9  years 

1880 

5   years 

1881 

2  years 

1881 

2  years 

1885 

4  years 

1885 
i8935 

7   years 

1890 

6  years 

1886 

2  years 

1888 

2   years 

1888 

2  years 

1887] 

192M 

34  years 

1898] 

1921J 

22  years 

1889 

4  years 

1894 

6  years 

1898 

9  years 

1897 

3  years 

JUBILEE  ALBUM 


59 


C.    E.    BjOXKMAN. 

J.  W.  Johnson. 


DEACONS. 
John  A.   Olson. 
A.  N.  West. 


Nels  Benson. 
Chas.   A.  Johngon. 


/ 


60  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

From  To         Total  Service 

[1893  1899] 

Samuel  Almquist   \  1901  1906^  14  years 

[1907  1910J 

(1896  1899? 

A.   N.  West    / 1 92 1  1924^  6  years 

C.  O.  Anderson    1897  1900  3  years 

J.   A.    Stromquist    1898  1899  1   year 

C.  A.  A.  Root   1901  1907  6  years 

C.  A.  Peterson    1898  1901  3   years 

(1899  1902/ 

John   P.   Berg   / 1905  1914S  12  years 

Claus   W.    Johnson    1900  1903  3  years 

G.   A.    Nyberg    1899  1902  3   years 

\ 1 906  1 909 } 

John  Olson    /1910  1925$  18  years 

Aug.    Swanson    1909  19 12  3  years 

Henry    Anderson    19 10  1916  6  years 

William    Johnson     1911  1926  15  years 

Nels    Benson     191 7  1926  9  years 

Ed.    Lindstrom     1914  191 7  3  years 

C.    Ed.    Bjorkman    191 5  1924  9  years 

Carl  Gustaf   Carlson    1916  1922  6  years 

Chas.   A.   Johnson    1922  1925  3  years 

TRUSTEES 

From  To         Total  Service 

J.  O.  Lundblad    1873  1882  9  years 

Samuel  Anderson    1873  1877  4  years 

{1873  1876/ 

Peter  Ringdahl    / 1879  i889(  13  years 

C.    A.    Nyberg    1873  1875  2   years 

(1875  1882J 

Eric  Anderson / 1 883  1 885  (  9  years 

H.    P.    Borklund     1876  1880  4  years 

Nels    Swenson     1877  1879  2  years 

$1878  1879? 

Gustav  Bjorkman    / 1880  1884^  5  years 

William  Anderson    1881  1882  1   year 


A.   L.   LlNDORFF. 

And.  J.   Anderson. 


TRUSTEES. 

D.    H.    B003TROM, 

Treasurer. 


Emanuel  Johnson. 
Swan   Berglund. 


62 


FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 


From 

Oscar    Wallen     1882 

Jonas   Runbom    1883 

(1884 

Geo.   Lundblad    (1898 

Carl  Runbom 1884 

Fred    Peterson     1885 

John   P.   Berg    1886 

John   Hedvall    1888 

Swan    Youngren     1888 

Andrew    Nelson    1889 

August    Anderson     1890 

J1891 

S.    Ed.   Peterson    / 1903 

A.   W.   Almquist    1896 

John    Alfred    Johnson    1898 

C.  A.  A.  Root 1899 

Eric   Peterson    19CO 

C.  ().  Anderson    1900 

C.    Ed.    Bjorkman    1902 

Fred    Larson     1903 

Oscar  Almquist 1905 

Henry    Anderson     1906 

Peter    Farm     1908 

Ludwig  Ericson    1909 

E.   T.    Carlson    19 10 

Andrew    Runbom    19 13 

Oscar   W.   Anderson    1914 

Ed.    Moberg    , 19 16 

Frank    Forsell     191 7 

A.    J.   Anderson    19 18 

David    Bostrom     19 19 

A.  W.   Swanson    19 19 

Arthur    Lindorff     1920 

Emanuel    Johnson     1922 

Swan    Berglund     1923 


To 

Total  Service 

1884 

2 

years 

1885 

2 

years 

1888) 

1905$ 

I  I 

years 

1886 

2 

years 

I902 

17 

years 

190O 

14 

years 

1891 

3 

years 

1890 

2 

years 

1898 

9 

years 

1896 

6 

years 

1900) 

1913J 

19 

years 

I902 

6 

years 

1904 

6 

years 

19OI 

2 

years 

I903 

3 

years 

1909 

9 

years 

I9IO 

8 

years 

1906 

3 

years 

1914 

9 

years 

1907 

1 

year 

1917 

9 

years 

I9l8 

9 

years 

1919 

9 

years 

1916 

3 

years 

I920 

6 

years 

1919 

3 

years 

1923 

6 

years 

1924 

6 

years 

1925 

6 

years 

1922 

3 

years 

1926 

6 

years 

1925 

3 

years 

1926 

3 

yeais 

JUBILEE  ALBUM 


63 


CHURCH  SECRETARIES 

From 

Oscar    Wallen     1873 

John  E.   Swanson    1874 

A.    Anderson     1875 

Charles    Bjorkman    1876 

(1888 
John   P.   Berg    )  1902 

(1890 

H.   P.  Borklund    (1894 

Andrew  M.  Runbom   1892 

fi895 
C.   Ed   Bjorkman    \  1899 

[1919 

fi896 
A.  W.  Almquist    \  1903 

[1920 
John    Gustafson    1905 

p907 
John    Ryden    ^1912 

[1922 

August    Swanson    1910 

Axel    Hemming    191 5 

Oscar   W.   Anderson    1916 


To 

Total  Service 

1874 

i    year 

1875 

1    year 

1876 

1   year 

1888 

12  years 

1890) 

1903  i 

3  years 

1892) 

i895( 

3   years 

1894 

2  years 

1896] 
1902}- 
1920J 

5   years 

1899I 
1905  \ 
1922J 

7   years 

1907 

2  years 

1909] 

I9i5^ 

1924J 

7   years 

1912 

2  years 

1916 

1   year 

1919 

3  years 

CHURCH  TREASURERS 

From 
Jos.  O.  Lundblad 1876 

(1888 

Geo.  O.  Lundblad    \  1903 

J.  P.  Berg 1889 

A.  W.  Almquist    1899 

C.  Ed.  Bjorkman   .  . 1905 

(1911 
E.  T.  Carlson   / 191 4 

Oscar  O.  Almquist    1912 

Oscar  W.  Anderson   19 19 

Frank  Forsell    1921 

David  H.  Bostrom   1922 


To 

Total  Service 

(not  recc 

>rded) 

1889) 

i905i 

3 

years 

1899 

10 

years 

1903 

4 

years 

1911 

6 

years 

1912/ 

1918J 

5 

years 

1914 

2 

years 

1921 

2 

years 

1922 

1 

year 

1924 

2 

years 

To         1 

^otal  S 

ervice 

1875 

I 

year 

1879 

4 

years 

1881 

2 

years 

1882 

I 

year 

1887I 
I9II   - 
I923J 

32 

years 

1888 

I 

year 

1919 

8 

years 

1924 

1 

year 

64  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

CHURCH  SEXTONS 

From 

John  E.  Swanson   1874 

Carl   Runbom    1875 

Swan  Jacobson    1879 

Chas.   Bjorkman    1881 

[1882 
P.  A.  Johnson -^  1888 

[1919 

John  Runbom    1887 

Peter   Dahl    191 1 

Geo.  O.  Lundblad    1923 

S.  S.   SUPERINTENDENTS  AND  ASSISTANTS. 

Superintendents  Assistants  From  To 

Nels  Swenson Joel  Olson   1877  no  record 

C.   Bjorkman    (None  elected) 1883  1887 

C.   A.    Sjoholm (None  elected) 1887  1888 

C.  Bjorkman    Sam  Almquist    1888  1896 

A.  N.  West C.   Bjorkman 1896  1898 

C.  Bjorkman    J.  A.  Stromquist 1898  1899 

C.  Bjorkman    C.  Ed.  Bjorkman 1899  1900 

C.  Bjorkman    Samuel  Almquist 1900  1901 

Geo.   O.   Lundblad CO.  Almquist 1901  1902 

C.  Bjorkman    A.   N.  West 1902  1903 

C.  Bjorkman .  C.    O.   Anderson 1903  1905 

Aug.  Swanson    ( None  elected) 1905  1907 

Rev.  Swenson C.  Bjorkman    1907  1908 

Aug.   Swanson    (None  elected) 1908  1909 

Rev.   Swenson Aug.  Swanson    1909  19 10 

John  Gustafson Aug.   Sw^anson    1910  191 1 

Rev.   Swenson Aug.   Swanson    191 1  1914 

Aug.   Swanson    Oscar  Anderson 191 4  191 5 

(Ed.   Lindstrom) (None  elected) I9I-  igi6 

/Aug.     b\vanson\ 

Aug.   Swanson    Christine  Almquist    1916  1917 

Aug.   Swanson    John  Gustafson    1917  191 8 

Rev.  Mattson John  Gustafson   1918  1919 

Arthur  Lindorff (None  elected) 1919  1922 

Miss  Minnie  Johnson (None  elected) 1922  1923 

John  Johnson Mrs.  Ed.  Bjorkman 1923  1924 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  65 
ORGANISTS  AND  SONG  LEADERS. 

Organists                         Song  Leaders               From  To         Total  Service 

Joel  Olson no   record 

Hilma  Lundblad                                             \1882  1890) 

(Gustafson)   (1891  i895\          12  years 

Emma  Borklund 

(Johnson)    1895  1902              7  years 

(1902  1904) 

Josie  Bjorkman   / 19 10  191 1 V           3  years 

Ida   Berg    1904  1908              4  years 

(1908  1910) 

David  Berg   / 191 1  1912!            3  years 

Hilma  Lundblad 

(Ford)    19 1 2  191  7              5  years 

Edna  Borklund 

(Stevens)    191 7  1924              7  years 

Arthur   Lindorrr.  .    1921  1924              3   years 


Jubilee   Album.     5. 


66 


FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 


00 


00 

U 

C/3 


o 

esatipajqapu] 

=  g 

~ 

•  c 

:::::::::   :g§ 

■  :  :«oo3^       — 

•»M«A 

■      ••••■■•■     =  =  =  =  =  =     .=  .= 

031HIOSJT3J 

— .  ~^. 

qamqo 

r~  t~  r^-  r^  t-  r^  r~  r~  r~  t~  t~  r~  r~  r-  r~  r~  r-  r~ 
XlOOOOOOOOOOOOaOOOCOOOOOCOOOOOOOQOOC 

,5 

PVU 

§  §  i    §  §  K 

as  ■'"       t~-  >C  ri 

OI                 VT 

r^  to  c:  ti  — ;  — :  ce i  >~  ei  do  us  ■  -  — 

do  —  '"  ~  ~  —  —  ~J  —  -7  —  TJ  6l 

aoissijq 

uonnnojSuoj 

r,i 

s  x  ■■£ 

slssssslslsfccl 

X 

SJt1[(il|.K- 

doSwSwm    :££ 

3 

| 

~1 

T 

naippqQ 

r' 

-    j    ;„-«,      __ 

« 

s-jneonmunno;  | 

—                        tl  —  tJ  —  DO  — 

,- 

naipjiqo 

—  g 

s^uBonmannoQ 

"SS*"  :-S 

~i  — •       :r  -d-  >o  r^  p       r~  ic  do 

| 

aajpnqo 

DO  O  DO  O)  ■■£.  Ol               Ol 

>lur:.itiinannoj 

-  —  x  ~ 

—  ?,  =  -  =  -—         "- 

sijnpy 

=  = 

HWpflqQ 

:•    z  : 

- 

x         E: —  ~    -     —     — 

£1 

siinpy 

ilOJp|iq.) 

N  Z  M  =  M  X 

—  —  n  —  ■■-  o  t-  -d ■  —  —  t»  «C  — 

1*1"! 

:  §  5  i  1  =  E 

—  —  fo  ~  ~  <'o  —  —  —  >*o  oi  ~i  — 

OJ  -1  O)  -M  Ol  Ol  01  7-1  Ol  0) 

uojpiiqj 

33  -.c  i-  :/:       as 

3  s g sssggsssss 

gpra>nmannoQ 

MC4NON  lO 
-   X   X   X   X  SB 

x  >.  3:  o;  o"i  ~  •'-  —  do  ft  t~i  oi  — 

r;i.Ni"i"i;^7  /  /  /  /  z  /  /  /  z  ~  r.  r.  f.  r. 
Sooooooook  x  z  z  x  z  z  r.  ^  £2222222 

00 

1 

- 

1 

fci  ;>  >  - 

ii 

> 

'-'-  g  §ww>>!5!SS  SpQ 

JUBILEE  ALBUM 


67 


- 

O 

= 

— 

= 

O 

- 

0 

S    =: 

~ 

= 

- 

J- 

~ 

~ 

~ 

~ • 

~ 

_■ 

~    ~ 

~ 

~ 

1- 

5 

<M 

— 

_ 

=: 

= 

ggg 

= 

S   = 

X 

~ 

~ 

~" 

~~ 

— 

~ 

~ 



— 

—   •  ' 

■' 

■ '' 

'-'' 

nn" 

■■-■ 

:~. 

WS 

•M 

N 

IN 

~j 

IN 

~i 

: 

-,  : 

-M 

n  -M 

"I 

Tl 

IM 

~>  n  ej 

~ 

- 

222 

>- 

[~ 

{^ 

j-  1. 

{^ 

~) 

-M 

-' 

-' 

n 

(N 

~i 

-M  D 

N 

ei 

ei  ~i  -1 

— 

35  OS   5 

X    X 

± 

X 

/" 

-r 

/ 

X 

j 

ir. 

/ 

I-  B 

O 

M  t~ 

J. 

i~ 

-M 

—  r 

C-)  ?sl  C^J 

1  - 

~ 

X 

/- 

f^  X 

- 

r^ 

r 

-1-  XI 

r 

1- 

so  v- 

X 

t^~ 

r 

X 

7" 

X 

S 

"' 

^' 

« 

X   M 

« 

« 

~ 

r  1 

,- 

V 

1  . 



- 

— 

©ooooto-oou: 

—  — 

•--;  r^  1 

gs§ 

K   1  - 

t^ 

T 

iC  — 

"J 

.■1 

■* 

' 

"' 

'" 

'"   "" 

"• 

OC  re 

-   s 

~" 

ZC 

x  c- 

t^ 

~ 

1  - 

i  - 

~ 

~ 

■" 

^ 

"° 

_  t- 

1  - 

~   '" 

"° 

* 

* 

nr 

■ 

~> 

ri 

s 

' 

* 

•M 

"° 

X 

" 

1-  — 

■° 

1  - 

so  »-e  x 

E 

' 

'_ 

-  X 

i  - 

X 

~ 

~ 

~ 

~ 

~ 

~ 

■M 

X 

~ 

nxN 

X 

— 

~ 

OS 

~ 

" 

*  ' 

■M 

eea 

- 

— 

:- 

■M 

0  t» 

re 

r^ 

^f 

CO 

sc 

c> 

O 

■r 

re 

to 

,-  3 

-- 

—  IC 

r: 

r>. 

>o 

•M  —  "^ 

— 

^ 

M 

!  '^ 

" 

" 

1  - 

— 

1  - 

~i 

M 

c:  x 

- 

£ 

•M  O  -!■ 

—  ra 

_ 

/ 

as 

-  1 

,- 



— 

— 

— 

— 

7-7 

? 

r^ 

1  - 

— 

— 

ro 

X  er 

ro 

10  ic 

— 

— 

— 

CO  CO  to 

-r 

..- 

''' 

^ 

1  - 

1  - 

J 

x 

— 

.-  1 

rxi 

3C  C-. 

X 

t^  t^  t^  s;  t^ 

~ 

~ 

~ 

~ 

""" 

~" 

1-1 

= 

--.  s 

X    / 

s 

/ 

XIOCN 

— 

~ 

~ 

— 

-' 

~ 

~~ 

'  ' 

- ' 

- ' 

'-'' 

-"' 

.1 .1 

' 

IN 

-' 

10 

X 

r 

§ 

Cd  n 

— 

£ 

- 

— 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

r;- 

2 

j*  - 

- 

- 

2 

- 

.  z:  ^:  r; 

■  i 

> 

-"   7 

1 

I 

| 

g   1 

1 

| 

| 

= 

px 

L  5 

g 

§ 

g 

■P-PP 

" 

-* 

<  <  <  < 

- 

-: 

_ 

— 

g 

g 

g 

~ 

■s.7 

- 

£  ~ 

§  § 

- 

2  — — — 

O 

aq(? 

•  # 

- 

S 

s  s 

— 

- 

— 

2 

■ 

~ 

~ 

' 

X  X  X  X  X 

<-: 

c 

w 

^ 

L 

—  — - 

- 

-: 

-! 

»> 

>«<«<"-<"< 

'— 

fe 

& 

■— 

fe(= 

— 

- 

— • 

-: 

— : 

:;:: 

68  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

Anniversary   Programs 

FRIDAY,  MAY  18,  1923 
8  P.  M. 

Selection Orchestra 

Song — No.  143   Congregation 

Invocation Mr.  Robert  Acsell 

Address  of  Welcome Rev.  O.  F.  Domeij 

Vocal  Solo Mrs.  Hattie  Anderson 

Greetings  in  behalf  of  the  women Mrs.  Ed.  Bjorkman 

Selection — Lord  God  of  Hosts  (Macy) Ladies'  Chorus 

Greetings  in  behalf  of  the  men Mr.  Emanuel  Johnson 

Violin  Solo Mr.  Ernest  Berg 

Recitation   Mildred  Clauson 

Selection Sunday  School  Orchestra 

Address  Rev.  Joseph  C.  Mattson 

Song — No.  186  Congregation 

Benediction   Rev.  O.  F.  Domeij 

Selection Orchestra 


SATURDAY,  MAY  19,  1923 

Rock  Island  District  Mission  Meeting. 
9:30 — 10:30  a.  M.     Business  session. 
10:30  a.  m.    Lecture Dr.  John  Ekholm 

Subject:  The  Function  of  the  Christian  Minister  as  a  Preacher. 
2:30  P.  M.     Diskussion  over  amnet:  Jag  tror  pa  en  helig,  allmannelig 

kyrka,  de  helig  as  samfund.     Inledare Rev.  E.  F.  Bergren 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  69 

SUNDAY,  MAY  20,  1923 
10:00  A.  M. 

Address  to  the  Sunday  School Rev.  Geo.  A.  Fahlund 

10:30  A.  M. 

High  Mass  with  Communion. 

Preparatory  Sermon Rev.  J.  B.  A.  Idstrom 

Song — Psalm  84   (Wennerberg) Choir 

Sermon Rev.  A.  T.  Luxdholm 

Song — Praise  the  Lord  (Maker) Male  Quartet 


SUNDAY,  MAY  20,  1923 

3:00  P.  M. 
JUBILEE  PROGRAM 

Overture — Poet  and  Peasant  (F.  von  Suppe) Orchestra 

Song No.     189     COXGREGATIOX 

Invocation Dr.  Nils  Forsaxder 

Vocal  Duet — The  Lord  Is  My  Light Buck 

Mr.  axd  Mrs.  Arthur  Lixdorff 

Historical  Sketch Rev.  O.  F.  Domeij 

Song — Hark,  Hark,  My  Soul  (Shelley) Choir 

Address Rev.  Dr.  Gustav  Axdreex 

Song — No.   193   Coxgregatiox 

I  Dr.  G.  A.  Braxdelle 

1 

i  Dr.  Peter  Peterson 

Greetings ■> 

1  Rev.  C.  O.  Morland 

I  Rev.  J.  B.  Pollock 

Benediction Rev.  J.  B.  A.  Idstrom 

Doxology  No.  5 Coxgregatiox 

Selection    Orchestra 


70  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 

SUNDAY  EVENING,  MAY  20,  1923 

8;00  O'CLOCK 

SACRED  CONCERT 

Cantata:   PRAISE  AND  THANKSGIVING— Adams 

Overture — Light  Cavalry  (F.  von  Suppe) Orchestra 

Invocation Rev.  A.  T.  Lundholm 

Cantata — Part  One    Choir 

Address Dr.  Peter  Peterson 

Cantata — Part  Two    Choir 

Selection    Orchestra 

Benediction Rev.  Joseph  C  Mattson 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS-URBANA 

?»ffi&«Y  of  mmmm  luth 


3  0112  025277192 


